Should we bring back wildlife on our banknotes?
As Bangladesh reconsiders its currency design, could incorporating native wildlife on banknotes help bridge the gap between people and nature?
Denominations, since their inception, have always been a tangible medium of a country's identity. Paper bills and coins often feature emblems, maxims and imagery. But, beyond aesthetic values, this medium is increasingly popular and remarkably effective in raising conservation awareness and maintaining human-wildlife connections in our rapidly developing world. A recent series of events made me wonder how Bangladesh could benefit from adopting a similar approach.
While I'm not an avid collector of coins and banknotes, I do keep an eye on what's happening in the world of numismatics. My curiosity grew when the Republic of Abkhazia released a 10 Asper banknote last year. The banknote's stunning design, featuring vibrant colours that blend from chrome to ochre, and a beautifully detailed Caucasian Leopard on the back, really caught my eye. This sparked my interest in exploring carnivore-themed banknotes from around the globe.
However, I quickly realized that finding or creating a standard catalog of these designs was no easy feat. Most studies on currency focus on themes tied to political and socio-economic events. My friends even suggested I should spend my time addressing more pressing conservation issues instead. Then, by chance, I came across a fascinating paper published in July by researchers from Griffith University, Australia, in People and Nature, a journal of the British Ecological Society. It was the first study of its kind to look at wildlife depictions on banknotes, and I felt like I had struck gold.
Countries like Nepal and China showcase wildlife on their banknotes, reflecting conservation priorities and cultural identity
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The researchers examined 4,500 banknotes from 207 countries and discovered that about one in six features native wildlife. Many of these species are threatened with extinction or found only in specific areas, underscoring their importance. Tropical countries are the leading examples of this trend, showcasing a variety of animals. The study identified 195 bird species and 96 mammal species as the most commonly depicted, along with insects, reptiles, and fish in banknotes issued between 1980 and 2017.
Given banknotes' daily interaction with millions of people, they are powerful messengers. Displaying wildlife on currency can serve as a subtle reminder of a nation's natural heritage and underscore the need for conservation. For instance, the Giant Panda on Chinese banknotes or the Jaguar on Brazilian banknotes reflect national pride and conservation priorities. Island nations like the Bahamas highlight swordfish and marlins as the species, which attract tourists, generate revenue and are long-standing national icons. Nepal, our neighbour, has one of the highest numbers of wildlife-themed denominations.
Bangladesh once featured the Spotted Deer and the Oriental Magpie Robin on its Taka notes. One Taka bills with the deer were issued until 1992, and the robin appeared in Two Taka denominations until its removal in 2018. Now, no wildlife graces our circulating currency.
This October, the Bangladesh Bank and the Ministry of Finance have decided to redesign our Taka. Could we see tigers, fishing cats, elephants, or winter birds in the new designs? Bringing wildlife closer to the masses can help restore our fragile relationship with nature.
