Rare Malayan night heron rescued during smuggling attempt in Rangamati

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.
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.















