SAU, KAU Initiate research on Mayabon- a new swamp forest

 
It addresses a distinct fresh water swamp forest called "Mayabon," not the Ratargul swamp forest in Sylhet. This swamp forest can be found in Alirgaon Union of Gowainghat Upazila of Sylhet in Jugirkandi Haor.

This swamp is concealed from tourists' eyes except for locals, but the study team from Sylhet Agricultural University (SAU) and Khulna Agricultural University (KAU) has begun research activities there. Iftekhar Ahmed Fagun, a postgraduate researcher in the aquatic resources management department of Sylhet Agricultural University, and Angkur Chowdhury, a lecturer and researcher in the department of fishery biology and genetics of Khulna Agricultural University, recently visited Mayabon for the purpose of conducting research.

The research team also includes Debashish Pandit, a lecturer and researcher in the oceanography department of Khulna Agricultural University.

The research is being supervised by professor Dr Mrityunjoy Kunda and professor Dr. Ahmed Harun-Al-Rashid from the department of aquatic resource management at Sylhet Agricultural University. The members of the research team conversed with residents while they were there.

They also made a list of the aquatic vegetation, fish, and other aquatic organisms. They also gathered geological information. Lecturer and researcher Angkur Chowdhury of Khulna Agricultural University remarked, 'It was believed that Ratargul was the only freshwater swamp forest in Bangladesh. There are, however, a number of other wetlands, notably Mayabon.

On Mayabon, we have initiated multiple fundamental research activities. The biological equilibrium of the Haor in the area is continuously being preserved by this wetland. The site has tourism sector potential, but if a sustainable tourism industry cannot be developed, the biodiversity here may be threatened'.

According to Sylhet Agricultural University post-graduate researcher Iftekhar Ahmed Fagun, "Swamp forests in the Haor area are one of the most important shelters for breeding, feeding, and growth of indigenous fish populations.  A good location for forestry study is the Mayabon swamp forest.

Additionally, it is crucial for study on botany and fisheries. The Haor region's ecosystem in particular depends on this swamp to remain in balance. When our research is finished and the results are obtained, it will be feasible to provide additional in-depth information about this forest.

This swamp forest is thought to be 180 hectares or more in size. Rows of floating hijal, jam, barun, karach, and numerous tree species may be seen in Jugirkandi Maybon. The sunlight cannot reach the inside leaves of the trees since it is a deep forest.

On the southern side of the woodland is Kashban. There is a sizable bill with a kurundi and rauya full with shapla and lotus flowers on the east side. One of the largest murta gardens in Bangladesh, which is controlled by the forest department, is located on the banks of the Hidairkhaal River (officially known as the Bulikhaal).

Jugirkandi Mayabon is home to a variety of bird species, including herons, several buck kinds, dahuk, dove, sari, Magpie, Black drongo, duck, and Indian cormorant. Monkeys, wild boars, squirrels, fishing cats, and other animals can also be found in this swamp, which serves as a sanctuary for many snake species.

>>Md Rajibul Islam in SAU