Dr Noorjahan Sarker, first female wildlife biologist of Bangladesh and retired Prof of the Department of Zoology at the University of Dhaka, has passed away.

She breathed her last on Thursday while undergoing treatment at a hospital in the capital due to old-age complications. She was 78.

Throughout her career spanning nearly six decades, she made outstanding contributions to the conservation of wildlife, nature, and biodiversity in Bangladesh.

A pioneer in the country’s wildlife research, she published more than 100 research papers in national and international journals, alongside authoring several valuable books.

In recognition of her exceptional contributions to wildlife and nature conservation, she was honoured with multiple accolades, including the “Award for Wildlife Conservation” in 2015.

Her demise is an irreparable loss to the field of wildlife research and the environmental movement, said relevant stakeholders.