Critically endangered leopard caught on camera in Bangladesh forest: “Extremely rare and secretive species” – CBS News

Leopard Sightings in Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts: A Conservation Milestone

Introduction

Recent photographs of a leopard captured by camera traps in the forests of Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts have generated renewed optimism among conservationists dedicated to protecting this critically endangered species. These findings align with global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15: Life on Land, which emphasizes the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity.

Significance of the Leopard Photographs

The Creative Conservation Alliance, a nonprofit organization in Bangladesh, released images showing a leopard emerging from dense greenery. This evidence confirms the continued existence of these elusive big cats in the forested hills bordering India and Myanmar.

• Conservation Message: “We have to ensure the protection of the species so that it doesn’t become extinct,” stated Sourav Chakma, research officer at Creative Conservation Alliance.
• SDG Alignment: This initiative supports SDG 15 by promoting the protection of endangered species and their habitats.

Status of Leopards in Bangladesh

1. Global Status: Leopards are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
2. National Status: In Bangladesh, leopards are critically endangered, highlighting the urgent need for targeted conservation efforts.
3. Scientific Insights: Zoologist Monirul Khan from Jahangirnagar University emphasized the importance of the latest sighting, as previous evidence was limited to paw prints and brief sightings.

Challenges to Leopard Conservation

• Habitat loss due to deforestation and land-use changes.
• Decline in prey availability.
• Poaching and illegal wildlife trade.

Addressing these challenges contributes to achieving SDG 15 by safeguarding biodiversity and promoting sustainable ecosystem management.

Broader Context of Wildlife Conservation in Bangladesh

• Tiger Population: Bangladesh is home to Bengal tigers, primarily found in the Sundarbans mangrove forests. The latest survey in October 2024 recorded 125 tigers, an increase from 114 in 2019.
• Other Endangered Species: Recent global conservation successes include:
  • The first-ever photograph of the rare Upemba Lechwe antelope in Africa (May 2024).
  • Camera captures of endangered Bengal tiger cubs in Thailand (January 2024).
  • Footage of the critically endangered Sierra Nevada red fox in California (Winter 2023-2024).
  • An endangered jaguar sighting in Arizona (2024).

Conclusion and Recommendations

The documented presence of leopards in Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts underscores the critical importance of preserving natural habitats and supporting biodiversity conservation efforts. These efforts directly contribute to the achievement of SDG 15 and indirectly support other goals such as SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

1. Enhance anti-poaching measures and law enforcement in forested areas.
2. Promote community engagement and awareness programs to support wildlife conservation.
3. Implement habitat restoration projects to improve prey availability and ecosystem health.
4. Strengthen regional cooperation with neighboring countries for transboundary wildlife protection.

Continued monitoring and research are essential to ensure the survival of leopards and other endangered species, fostering sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 15: Life on Land – The article focuses on the conservation of critically endangered species such as leopards, tigers, and other wildlife, emphasizing the protection of terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action (implied) – Conservation of forests and natural habitats contributes to climate mitigation by preserving carbon sinks.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The involvement of nonprofit organizations, researchers, and international bodies reflects partnerships to support conservation efforts.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 15 Targets:
   • Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, particularly forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
   • Target 15.7: Take urgent action to end poaching and trafficking of protected species of flora and fauna and address both demand and supply of illegal wildlife products.
2. SDG 13 Targets (implied):
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
3. SDG 17 Targets:
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 15.1: Proportion of forest area to total land area – implied by the focus on forest habitats in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and Sundarbans mangrove forests.
2. Indicator for SDG 15.5: Red List Index – the article mentions the leopard’s status as critically endangered in Bangladesh and vulnerable globally, which relates to the IUCN Red List status.
3. Indicator for SDG 15.7: Number of poached or trafficked species – implied by the article’s mention of poaching as a threat to leopards.
4. Indicator for SDG 17.16: Number of partnerships and collaborations – implied by the involvement of Creative Conservation Alliance, universities, and international organizations.
5. Additional Indicators:
   • Population counts of endangered species – e.g., the tiger population increase from 114 to 125 in Bangladesh as per the latest survey.
   • Number of camera trap sightings or photographic evidence – used as a measure of species presence and monitoring.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: cbsnews.com