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 (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources), represented by its Bangladesh Country Office is facilitating implementation of projects of Bangladesh Forest Department (BFD) under its Strengthening Regional Cooperation for Wildlife Protection Project (SRCWPP) funded by World Bank (WB). IUCN needs an RS and GIS Associate for smooth operation of the project for the project period.

Under the overall guidance of Country Representative, IUCN Bangladesh and the Programme Coordinator, and under direct supervision of Project Manager, the RS and GIS Associate will be a part of a team of diversified members contributing and supporting all aspects of the project implementation. The primary scope of work will include assisting the Bangladesh Country Office in the day-to-day operations for the projects, primarily responsible for implementation of Status Survey and Development of Elephant Action Plan for Bangladesh (SSDEAP) project in the respective project site.

1. Under the guidance of Project Manager, lead and support the GIS-GPS data collection team of the project to collect elephant routes and corridors data and HEC points for whole Bangladesh;
2. Support elephant status survey team through direct field visit in a team;
3. Remotely sensed image interpretation and analysis to develop elephant habitat database;
4. Develop National Geospatial database for elephants in association of RIMS unit of Bangladesh Forest Department;
5.Provide support to Project Manger in Elephant population calculation;
6. Mapping of elephant routes, corridors and HEC for whole Bangladesh;
7. Support to design and prepare an elephant atlas mentioning elephant routes, corridors and HEC;
8. Under the guidance of Project Manager, support in regular assessment of mitigation activities in respective area;
9. Facilitate discussion with community for capacity building training activities and provide support related to training and facilitate PGIS for the project needs;
10. Any other task that may be assigned by the Country Representative, Programme Coordinator and Project Manager, IUCNB from time to time.