Rare Malayan night heron rescued during smuggling attempt in Rangamati
Sensing the presence of the forest department, the traffickers abandoned the bird and fled the scene.
The Forest Department today (5 May) rescued a rare Malayan night heron during a drive in Rangamati's Kaptai.
The drive was conducted in the Byangchari area of Kaptai union acting on a tip-off, led by Kaptai Range Officer Mamunur Rahman. Forest Department staff member Osman Gani also took part in the drive.
Sensing the presence of the forest department, the traffickers abandoned the bird and fled the scene, officials said. No arrests could be made during the operation.
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According to Osman Gani, the quick intervention allowed them to rescue the bird despite the smugglers' escape.
Mamunur Rahman said the rescued bird is currently under the forest department's custody, where it is receiving primary care and treatment. Further action regarding its release will be taken based on instructions from higher authorities, he added.
The rescued bird, identified as a Malayan night heron (Gorsachius melanolophus), is also commonly referred to as the "tiger bittern". This medium-sized heron is native to South and East Asia and is typically found in dense forests. Its presence has previously been recorded in the Kaptai National Park area.
