Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division authority transferred the endangered species of the Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), the largest antelope in Asia, to Gazipur Safaari Park on Sunday which was rescued by locals of Natore's Bagatipara upazila.
Wildlife Inspector Jahangir Kabir said that they successfully transferred the Nilgai to Gazipur Safari Park on early Sunday.
The endangered species was found in Sheikh Para area of the upazila. Dr Abu Hayder, an officer of the Upazila Animal Resources Department, identified the animal as a rare Nilgai.
Historically, Nilgais were found in the northern regions of Bangladesh until the 1940s, particularly in the Tetulia area. However, they were declared extinct in the region thereafter, according to local officials.
Earlier, locals initially mistook the animal for a different species of cow when they spotted it in Doyarampur area under the upazila. They pursued the animal, eventually capturing it in Sheikh Para.
Later, the species took to nearby police station�s custody and handed over to Rajshahi Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division authority around 11 PM.
Bagatipara Model Police Station officer-in-charge Rafiqul Islam confirmed the matter.
MM/ST
