A dam at Kaptai (Bengali: কাপ্তাই বাঁধ) was constructed as a part of Karnaphuli hydroelectric project resulting in submergence of a large portion of the sanctuary.

[citation needed] The Indian elephant (Elephas Maximus) is the major threatened species found in the sanctuary.

They are mainly restricted to the southern part, where savannas and perennial water bodies support their populations.

More common species include Wild boar (Sus scrofa); Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta); Capped langur (Presbytis pileata); Indian muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak) and Sambar deer (Cervus unicolor).

[citation needed] Records describe the presence of Tiger, two species of Rhinoceroses, Wild water buffalo and Gaur in the sanctuary area which have since disappeared.

The major threats are encroachment for cultivation land, removal of forest produce, and tree cutting by local people.