Papers by K M Mijanur Rahman
Basic and Applied Herpetology, 2017
Tropical mangrove forest ecosystem of Sundarbans is considered as the most potential habitat for ... more Tropical mangrove forest ecosystem of Sundarbans is considered as the most potential habitat for Varanus salvator in Bangladesh. The study was conducted to understand the general ecology and behavior of V. salvator, to assess its activity patterns and feeding ecology in and around Karamjal ecotourism spot of Bangladesh Sundarbans. The activities of water monitor were more frequently seen during 0900 – 1200 hrs, and 1530 – 1700 hrs of the day. The proportion of time spent on different behavioral states by the water monitors varied significantly between the wet and dry seasons. It was found that adult water monitors spent a highest proportion of time in foraging activity during the rainy or wet season, whereas during winter they spent most of the time basking. During this study, their diet was mostly crabs, although they also showed their character as scavengers. Since V. salvator is an ectothermic species, the influence of environmental variables upon its activities in different habi...
Annual Research & Review in Biology, 2017
SCOPUS-2016-7-1-SID84955244847, 2016
The Herpetological Bulletin, 2017
V salvator Laurenti, 1768 (Asian water monitor) is the largest monitor lizard found in Bangladesh... more V salvator Laurenti, 1768 (Asian water monitor) is the largest monitor lizard found in Bangladesh (Khan, 2008; Hasan et al., 2014) where it is considered Vulnerable (IUCN Bangladesh, 2015). Anthropocentric pressures, whether directly or indirectly, are considered the primary threats to biodiversity loss across Bangladesh with animal numbers decreasing from environmental change. However, some species, including monitor lizards, are more flexible in their behaviour which allows them to adapt to human altered ecosystems. Monitor lizards are well known scavengers and this note records potential problems for these lizards when scavenging around human habitations. On 4 August 2016, 11:38 (Bangladesh Standard Time) an adult V. salvator was observed scavenging among aquatic vegetation in tidal water behind a building at Karamjal ecotourism center (N 22°25’43.19”/ E 89°35’24.96”), Bagerhat, Bangladesh. Here we observed the lizard consume a piece of polythene bag from an open garbage site nea...
Basic and Applied Herpetology , 2017
Tropical mangrove forest ecosystem of Sundarbans is considered as the most potential habitat forV... more Tropical mangrove forest ecosystem of Sundarbans is considered as the most potential habitat forVaranus salvator in Bangladesh. The study was conducted to understand the general ecology and behavior of V. salvator, to assess its activity paterns and feeding ecology in and around Karamjal ecotourism spot of Bangladesh Sundarbans. The activities of water monitor were more frequently seen during 0900 – 1200 hrs, and 1530 – 1700 hrs of the day. The proportion of time spent on different behavioral states by the water monitors varied significantly between the wet and dry seasons. It was found that adult water monitors spent a highest proportion of time in foraging activity during the rainy or wet season, whereas during winter they spent most of the time basking. During this study, their diet was mostly crabs, although they also showed their character as scavengers. Since V. salvator is an ectothermic species, the influence of environmental variables upon its activities in different habitats either in summer or in winter, should not be ignored.
International Network for Natural Sciences (INNSPUB), Feb 28, 2016
The interconnectivity among the aquatic ecosystems of Ecuadorian Amazon makes them highly sensiti... more The interconnectivity among the aquatic ecosystems of Ecuadorian Amazon makes them highly sensitive to broad range of anthropogenic activities like oil pollution. Ecuadorian Amazon biodiversity is in great threats because of the large scale oil pollution by the Chevron-Texaco which systematically dumped 18.5 billion gallons of highly carcinogenic toxic waste into unlined pits, swamps, streams, and rivers into the rainforest from 1964 to 1992. Vast number of ecologically important animals and plants populations is in great threats after this massive oil pollution. The spread of oil and its biological effects is documented immediately. Forest plants, river grasses, algae, and associated invertebrates were badly covered by oil and soon after they are died regularly. The death of Dolphins ,Otter dna several species of birds has been reported because of oil pollution. The secondary effects of oil pollution are always much greater than the primary effects. So, proper initiatives should be taken in the long run to protect the biological communities of Amazon.
The present study investigated the public attitudes toward monitor lizards in the human-dominated... more The present study investigated the public attitudes toward monitor lizards in the human-dominated ecosystems of subtropical Bangladesh. In this regard, a total of 100 participants between the age of 15-65 were randomly selected from five different parts (20 participants from each part) of Bangladesh. Based on participants' opinion, Varanus bengalensis is mostly known (58±2.20) and Varanus salvator is the least known (22±3.48) species among three monitor lizard species found in Bangladesh. Surprisingly, most of the participants (77±0.50) mentioned that monitor lizards are snakes. Though all the monitor lizards found in Bangladesh are non-venomous, a significant proportion (63±1.53) of the participants believe that monitor lizards are venomous and can attack and bite people. The participants' viewpoint throughout the country regarding the above-mentioned issues, however, were somewhat similar (χ 2 test, p> 0.05). Despite their negative perception, most
A potential microhabitat is very important for the survival and successful reproduction of any wi... more A potential microhabitat is very important for the survival and successful reproduction of any wildlife species. In this study we assessed the microhabitat characteristics of Varanus flavescens in the human altered ecosystems of Chalan beel area, Baraigram, Natore by flowing the Visual Encounter Survey method and by using several important material. A semi-aquatic microhabitat of canal and river was preferred by the species as compared to other identified microhabitats. The slow moving water of the river and canal was fresh and somewhat cloudy in character but stagnant water of the pond and beel (floodplain) was semitransparent having lots of phytoplankton and zooplankton. The soil was mostly silty clay. As the study species is cold blooded, the environmental variables like soil, air and water temperatures inside and outside of the microhabitat play major roles for their activity patterns. In order to regulate their body temperature, during a hot sunny day they were more active within the shady area of the microhabitats but at dawn and dusk they were more seen in the sunny areas where temperature was relatively higher. In winter months, the monitor lizards were almost inactive. During that time of the year they live inside the burrow to avoid the extreme cold and foggy weather but during heavy sunshine they come outside of the hole for thermoregulation purpose for a certain time. We noticed that extensive agricultural practice and the excessive use of insecticides may be having a detrimental effect on the microhabitat features important to this semiaquatic lizard. Still the study species is more seen in the human altered ecosystems of Bangladesh. So, to ensure their existence in our close proximity there is an urgent need to create consciousness of the people regarding this beneficial non-venomous species and their respective microhabitat.
The interconnectivity among the aquatic ecosystems of Ecuadorian Amazon makes them highly sensiti... more The interconnectivity among the aquatic ecosystems of Ecuadorian Amazon makes them highly sensitive to broad range of anthropogenic activities like oil pollution. Ecuadorian Amazon biodiversity is in great threats because of the large scale oil pollution by the Chevron-Texaco which systematically dumped 18.5 billion gallons of highly carcinogenic toxic waste into unlined pits, swamps, streams, and rivers into the rainforest from 1964 to 1992. Vast number of ecologically important animals and plants populations is in great threats after this massive oil pollution. The spread of oil and its biological effects is documented immediately. Forest plants, river grasses, algae, and associated invertebrates were badly covered by oil and soon after they are died regularly. The death of Dolphins ,Otter dna several species of birds has been reported because of oil pollution. The secondary effects of oil pollution are always much greater than the primary effects. So, proper initiatives should be taken in the long run to protect the biological communities of Amazon.
The ecosystems of Bangladesh support three different monitor lizard's species (Varanus bengalensi... more The ecosystems of Bangladesh support three different monitor lizard's species (Varanus bengalensis, V. flavescens and V. salvator). But, these huge populations are in great threats from habitat loss and fragmentation point of view. Nonetheless, maximum research studies have not given clear insights into their population-level implications. There is an obvious need to explore the mechanisms that dispose activity patterns, abundance and distribution of monitor lizard. The primary objectives of this paper is to sum up the current research knowledge, information gaps and propose scientific approaches to give clear idea, efficient management and conservation of monitor lizard populations in ecosystems facing habitat loss and fragmentation. Most of the research study showed that due to habitat loss and fragmentation all of the Monitor lizards are facing continuous threats for surviving in their natural habitats. Habitat fragmentation decreases territory range and dispersal and increases mortality rates of the Monitor lizards. It's narrowing the genetic diversity and perhaps the production of infertile youths. The species also faces the high vulnerability to pathogens, invasive species, climate change, increased Ultraviolet-B exposure and environmental pollution. The ultimate result or impact of habitat loss and fragmentation is actually the total loss or extinction of wild fauna including monitor lizards from that particular habitat. So, proper conservation and management strategy could only save these important species from extinction.
Review on the Sundarbans Delta Oil Spill: Effects On Wildlife and Habitats, Jan 25, 2016
Recently, Sundarbans aquatic ecosystems are suffering escalating impacts caused by oil spill. The... more Recently, Sundarbans aquatic ecosystems are suffering escalating impacts caused by oil spill. The hydrological connectivity of aquatic ecosystems in the Sundarbans Delta makes them highly sensitive to a broad range of anthropogenic activities. On December 9, 2014 approximately 94,000 gallons (78,271 Imperial gallons) of heavy furnace oil spilled into Shela River, which runs through the Sundarbans. Intertidal mangroves plants, river grasses, algae, and associated invertebrates were badly covered by oil and some of them died soon after. The death of Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), Oriental samll-clawed otter (Amblonyx cinereus) has been reported because of oil spill. The presence of White rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis) over the Sundarbans sky also indicated the large scale death of wild fauna.
Bangladesh Biodiversity Assessment: A Brief-review
Bangladesh is a country of rich biological diversity. Bangladesh Sundarbans is the home to Bengal... more Bangladesh is a country of rich biological diversity. Bangladesh Sundarbans is the home to Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris). The different ecosystems support about 3 Gymnosperms, 1700 Pteridophytes and 5700 Angiosperms plants species. Approximately 53 species of amphibians, 158 reptiles (including 19 marine species), 690 birds (380 residents, 209 winter visitors, 11 summer visitors and 90 vagrants) and 121 species of mammals (including 5 marine species) found in Bangladesh. But this stunning biodiversity both plants and animals are declining at an alarming rate from the wilderness. Only proper conservation and management initiatives can save them from extinction.
Microhabitat Use by the Herpetofauna in Mixed-evergreen and Deciduous Forests of Bangladesh, Jan 5, 2016
Microhabitats of 35 herpetofaunal species were studied by following visual encounter surveys and ... more Microhabitats of 35 herpetofaunal species were studied by following visual encounter surveys and night searches with headlamps and flashlights. During the study period 3 nationally rare amphibian species were found: Xenophrys parva found in Dhopachari Reserve Forest, Chittagong beside a rocky Hill stream, Rhacophoruns htunwini found in Satchari National Park of Habiganj District in the undergrowth of mixedevergreen forestand Kalophrynus interlineatus found in deciduous forest of Madhupur, in the slope of hillock. Among the amphibian species, most of the toads used the forest floor, the roots of trees, human settlement and slopes of the hillock as their microhabitat. The frogs used grasslands, forest floor with fallen leaves, water bodies and hill streams. Reptiles usually prefer to live in the bushy areas and also in trees, shrubs, rocks, under
the fallen leaves, besides hill streams, under stones etc. Among the lizards Common Garden Lizard calotes versicolor was the most abundant in number and most of them used the undergrowth of the forest and bushy areas. The skinks used moist areas near hill streams and forest floor. The microhabitat is very specific for a species but many of the herpetofaunal species shared their microhabitat and also showed habitat preference.
ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF OIL SPILL ON BANGLADESH SUNDARBANS BIODIVERSITY
On December 9, 2014 approximately 94,000 gallons (78,271 Imperial gallons) of heavy furnace oil s... more On December 9, 2014 approximately 94,000 gallons (78,271 Imperial gallons) of heavy furnace oil spilled into Shela River, which is considered as an important river of the Sundarbans mangrove forest ecosystems. This was the largest ever oil spill incident into the coastal mangrove forest ecosystem of Bangladesh Sundarbans. Vast number of ecologically important animals and plants populations is in great threats after this massive oil spill accident. The spread of oil and its biological effects is documented immediately. Intertidal mangroves plants, river grasses, algae, and associated invertebrates were badly covered by oil and some of them died soon after. The death of Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), Oriental Samll-clawed Otter (Amblonyx cinereus) has been reported because of oil spill. The presence of White Rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis) over the Sundarbans sky also indicated the large scale death of wild fauna. The secondary effect of oil spill is always much greater than the primary effects. So, proper initiatives should be taken in long run to protect the biological communities of Sundarbans.
Scavenging Behavior of the Bengal Monitor (Varanus bengalensis) in Jahangirnagar University Campus, Bangladesh, Jun 6, 2015
The scavenging behavior of the Bengal Monitor (Varanus bengalensis) was studied in Jahangirnagar ... more The scavenging behavior of the Bengal Monitor (Varanus bengalensis) was studied in Jahangirnagar University campus, Bangladesh, from February to July 2010 by focal sampling method. The behavioral patterns that were observed are scavenging, moving, resting, conflicting, and others (escaping, hiding, etc). The Bengal Monitor spent most of the time in scavenging (43.23%) during its active periods while least time (5.28%) was spent in others (escaping, hiding, etc.). During the scavenging, the Bengal Monitor mainly fed on kitchen wastes like chicken feathers, eggshells, fish remains and vegetable remains. The highest (53.8%) scavenging activity was recorded in April and the lowest (27.4%) in February. The scavenging behavior of this species varied significantly across the different months and seasons, probably in response to the changes in temperature and rainfall.
HABITAT PREFERENCE AND FEEDING ECOLOGY OF THE BENGAL MONITOR (VARANUS BENGALENSIS) IN NATORE, BANGLADESH, Dec 15, 2015
The study was conducted between October to December 2014 in the district of Natore, Bangladesh by... more The study was conducted between October to December 2014 in the district of Natore, Bangladesh by following visual encounter survey method. Most of the Bengal monitor (56.25%) prefer to live in the microhabitat of bushy dry land but they build their nest most of the cases adjacent to the waterbodies. They consume a vast list of prey groups as their diet but they choose grasshoppers as diet in highest proportion (24%) than the others prey species. Sometimes they consume waste vegetables and fruits matter also. Maximum feeding activity was recorded in the morning from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and during afternoon from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Conference Presentations by K M Mijanur Rahman
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Papers by K M Mijanur Rahman
the fallen leaves, besides hill streams, under stones etc. Among the lizards Common Garden Lizard calotes versicolor was the most abundant in number and most of them used the undergrowth of the forest and bushy areas. The skinks used moist areas near hill streams and forest floor. The microhabitat is very specific for a species but many of the herpetofaunal species shared their microhabitat and also showed habitat preference.
Conference Presentations by K M Mijanur Rahman
the fallen leaves, besides hill streams, under stones etc. Among the lizards Common Garden Lizard calotes versicolor was the most abundant in number and most of them used the undergrowth of the forest and bushy areas. The skinks used moist areas near hill streams and forest floor. The microhabitat is very specific for a species but many of the herpetofaunal species shared their microhabitat and also showed habitat preference.