Existence of the Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus) is in serious threat in Bangladesh as they are enlisted as ‘Critically Endangered’ by IUCN Bangladesh (IUCN Bangladesh 2000). The conservation of this majestic animal is very important since it can facilitate maintenance of biological diversity and ecological integrity on a large-scale, across its range. Pragmatic actions with the local communities and associated local administration can ensure the sustenance as well as reduce the conflict between the human and the elephant.

Asian Elephant requires dense and virgin forests having fodder species such as bamboo, banana and tall grasses for shelter and feeding. The tropical mixed evergreen forests of CHT possess ideal habitats for elephants having natural bamboo and banana plants either as undergrowth, or as pure forms, or as associated groves of other plant populations.

Under the above situation, IUCN Bangladesh in close collaboration with Bangladesh Forest Department has taken initiative to assess present status of Asian elephant and to prepare an elephant action plan with a view to conserve this flagship species in Bangladesh. The project will start from June 2013 with financial support of the World Bank.

The goal of the project is “to conserve Asian Elephants in Bangladesh for contributing to the biological diversity and ecological integrity of the country.”

IUCN Bangladesh in close collaboration with Bangladesh Forest Department has taken initiative to assess present status of Asian elephant and to prepare an ‘Elephant Action Plan’ with a view to conserve this flagship species in Bangladesh. The project will start from June 2013 with the financial support from the World Bank.

The goal of the project is “To conserve Asian Elephants in Bangladesh for contributing to the biological diversity and ecological integrity of the country.”

As a member of the project team, the position is responsible for providing necessary support for smooth implementation of the project.

Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (Programme Officer), the Assistant Wildlife Biologist will have following responsibilities of assisting the Bangladesh Country Office in the day-to-day operations for the projects, primarily responsible for community level communication, mobilization and awareness building towards implementation of Status Survey and Development of Elephant Action Plan for Bangladesh (SSDEAP) project in the respective project site. Additional responsibilities are as,

1. Under the guidance of Project Manager, coordinate in data collection on HEC to understand the nature, scale & related attributes (population, demography, routes, corridors, environment, water sources, social structures, behavior of crop raiding elephants etc. affecting conflicts;
2. Congregate community concerns and suggestions in planning, management & institutional framework of HEC mitigation actions;
3. Facilitate discussion with Forest Department, Community based organizations and local community in designing mitigation actions and decision making;
4. Under the guidance of Project Manager, support in regular assessment of mitigation activities in respective area;
5. Design and develop the community oriented communication materials and organize the community driven events;
6. Support to develop draft project reports and other analysis;
7. Facilitate discussion with community for capacity building training activities and provide support related to training;
8. Any other task that may be assigned by the Country Representative, Programme Coordinator and Project Manager, IUCNB from time to time.