I feel disappointed when I struggle to integrate developmental activities and wildlife conservation : Sajeda Begum

 

Sajeda Begum, Professor, Department of zoology, Jahangirnagar University was present at tea with Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra’s online biology interview.  She has many experiences in the wildlife ecology, management and conservation biology field and PhD in Norway.

Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: Firstly, what is your educational background?

Sajeda Begum: My academic training began in Jahangirnagar University, where I obtained B.Sc (Honours) in Zoology, M.Sc in Wildlife Ecology, Management and Conservation Biology. I completed MPhil on Behavioural Ecology and Conservation Biology from the University of Cambridge, UK under the Cambridge Commonwealth Trust Fellowship. My PhD research is focused on Avian Brood Parasitism which I completed at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Norway.

Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: As zoologist and wildlife biologist, what do you think, what training courses or extra education are need to improve?

Sajeda Begum: The students should get involved in volunteer work or internships. I think these experiences like communication skills, observation skills, critical thinking skills which provide networking opportunities. These opportunities help with finding future employment.

Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: What are you studying right now?

Sajeda Begum: I am teaching ecology and wildlife conservation. At present, supervising students at Masters courses with major focuses on developing students’ knowledge of the conservation of wildlife and their habitats of the greatest aesthetic, ecological, economic and recreational values.

Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: What types of questions are trying to solve in your research?

Sajeda Begum: Co-evolutionary dynamics of host-parasite interactions among species of brood parasitic cuckoos and their varied host species of Bangladesh.

Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: What do you think, what are the challenges in a wildlife field?

Sajeda Begum: Imbalance between conservation and development. Investing significant effort in garbage management and tourism management in wildlife fields, and moreover, inadequate financial support in wildlife research.

Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: What do you think, what are the misconception in wildlife biology?

Sajeda Begum: Most conservation strategies and policies are done on large, high-quality, well-connected patches of remnant vegetation with a low incidence of threats. Conversely, the small, heavily modified habitats so common to urban environments are rarely protected by policy. Small urban areas can support and sustain populations of native species.

Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: What are your inspirations to study wildlife?

Sajeda Begum: Common myna feeding an Asian Koel chick, which first introduced me to the wonderful kingdom of animal behavior and inspired me to learn more about the fascinating phenomenon of wildlife biology.

Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: Can you tell me about your current research?

Sajeda Begum: My research centered on the co-evolutionary dynamics of host-parasite interactions among species of brood parasitic cuckoos and their varied host species of Bangladesh. The exceptional phenomenon of parental care in Avian brood parasitism as well cooperative breeding in some species of group living birds.

Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: How do you think about human Wildlife interactions?

Sajeda Begum: The challenges of human–wildlife conflict are older than recorded history which led to the extinction and reduction of numerous species and uncountable human deaths and economic losses. Recent developments in my understanding of conflict have led to a growing number of positive conservation and coexistence outcomes. 

Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: Can I tell you, you are successful zoologist and wildlife biologist? Why or why not?

Sajeda Begum: Success is a relative term and wildlife biology is a field that requires drive and passion to succeed. So, I am still learning something new every day as wildlife biologist. I feel happy when I spark an interest in wildlife among children, even when I see people around me are compassionate towards animals and assisting to conserve them. It is more important to me to see the positive impact.
Becoming a wildlife biologist I like travel to do field works and do research.

Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: Why do you like to work as zoologist and wildlife biologist?

Sajeda Begum: I am passionate to study animal behavior during my graduation. I enjoy travelling and spending time observing animals, mostly birds in their natural habitat. It is a fantastic position for me to work as wildlife biologist.

Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: Sometimes are you disappointed as zoologist and wildlife biologist?

Sajeda Begum: We know very well that humans directly caused species extinctions and declines through the destruction of habitat, poaching, overhunting, climate change and pollution. I feel disappointed when I struggle to integrate developmental activities and wildlife conservation. Moreover, it is disappointed when controversy rises with the issues regarding wildlife conservation between policy makers and wildlife biologists.

Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: What are your future steps in wildlife Conservation?

Sajeda Begum: Public awareness is very important to conserve wildlife. I am enthusiastic about providing environmental education to raise environmental awareness and encourage a love of animals among the school children in and around the protected areas of Bangladesh. 

Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: How does your work in wildlife benefit the society?

Sajeda Begum: Studying wildlife and their habitat is an important learning experience for children, students, and scholars of all ages. Through environmental education with more and more public involvement, restoring and preserving endangered wildlife species finally will be possible. Public awareness with the goal to preserve heritage and culture, promoting tourism attraction will benefit the society.

Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: What is your memorable work?

Sajeda Begum: Every moments spending with wildlife conservation activities with achievements are memorable.

Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: What advice would you give students who are looking to go into field work?

Sajeda Begum: Observe wild animals in their natural habitats and learn about how fascinatedly they affect the wonderful environment so that our future generations can enjoy the mosaic landscapes as well as biodiversity.

Dr. Bibhuti Bhushan Mitra: Thank you for giving me the time.