Study Discovers 23 Mammal Species in Inani National Park

A comprehensive research initiative conducted within the protected borders of Inani National Park has successfully documented a total of 23 distinct mammal species, according to findings officially released to the public. The protected forest area, which spans a total of 7,085 hectares, served as the primary site for this extensive biological survey aimed at understanding the local fauna and ecosystem health.

The extensive research project was carried out over a significant twelve-month period, officially commencing in November 2022 and concluding in November 2023. During this timeframe, the scientific team implemented rigorous monitoring methodologies across the designated landscape to ensure accurate and reliable data collection regarding the region's diverse mammalian population.

To achieve comprehensive coverage of the sprawling forest, the researchers strategically deployed a total of 15 camera traps across 32 distinct locations within the 7,085-hectare national park. These remote-sensing devices played a crucial role in capturing photographic evidence of elusive wildlife that typically avoids direct human contact during daylight hours.

Among the most notable discoveries yielded by the camera trapping methodology was the photographic confirmation of the clouded leopard inhabiting the forests of Inani. This significant sighting highlights the ecological importance of the protected area as a vital habitat for rare and vulnerable carnivore species requiring specialized conservation efforts.

The collaborative research effort involved contributions from a multidisciplinary team of experts and institutions, including Bipul Krishna Das, Mohammad Firoz Zaman, Arnab Saha, Mohammad Jasimuddin, Babla Mahajan, Prodip Kumar Sarker, and Abdullah Al Kawsar Milon. Their collective fieldwork was supported by various organizations such as the Forest Department, the Bangladesh Wildlife Center, Dhaka University, Chittagong University, and Gottingen University.

Following the conclusion of the year-long field study in November 2023, the detailed data and analytical findings were compiled into a formal academic paper. This completed research has now been officially published in the esteemed Journal for Nature Conservation, making the biodiversity data of Inani National Park available to the global scientific community.