Among them are the forests of Durgapur and Kalmakanda upazilas in Netrakona—adjacent to the Garo Hills of Mymensingh—that have long been plundered right under the nose of local authorities.

"These forests were once home to over 100 wild species, including elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, and hanuman langurs. Today, sightings of wildlife are rare, with only occasional visits by wild ...