375 Sundarbans species at risk of extinction from oil spill

Staff Correspondent: More than 375 species of wild and aquatic animals of Sundarbans have plunged into an extinct threat following the sink of MV OT Southern Star-7.

The wild and aquatic animals of Sundarbans include 32 species of mammals, 35 species of reptiles, 300 species of birds and 8 species of amphibian.

The oil tanker carrying about 3.58 lakh litres of furnace oil sank in the Shela river of Sundarbans near Mongla early Tuesday.

Besides, 334 species of trees, 165 species of lichens and 13 species of orchids are also feared to fall into the same threat.

The sunken tanker spilled nearly 3 lakh litres of furnace oil that has reduced the amount of oxygen in the water of the area.  

The plants have plunged into an extinct threat of the vast area of the world`s largest mangrove forest as these consume oxygen through breathing roots.

The experts warned that the spill might deal a serious consequence to the biodiversity of the forest as its plants are not able to breathe normally as like as others.

risingbd/ Dec 10, 2014/ Tutul/ Aminul