Forest of Bangladesh

1. Forest of Bangladesh
Forest: Forest is a large area of land covered with trees and other woody
vegetation. (Wikipedia) Forest covers an area of four billion hectares (15 million
square miles) or approximately 30 percent of the world's land. (FAO, 1996)
Forestry: The management of woodland to provide timber for sale. (Mayhew, 1995)
Forest of Bangladesh:
 Contributes 2% of total GDP. (BBS, 2006)
 Bangladesh has 11.06% forest of total land area. (World Bank, 2011)
 Bangladesh total forest area is 14,420 Km2
(World Bank, 2011)
Forest Types:
1. Tropical evergreen/Semi evergreen forest.
2. Tropical moist deciduous forest.
3. Tidal mangrove forest.
1. Tropical evergreen/Semi evergreen forest (Hill Forest):
 Found in Chittagong, Chittagong Hill Tracts and Sylhet.
 Chittagong Hill Tracts cover nearly 47% of total forest of the country.
 Divided into three categories based on management system: Reserved forest
(24%), Protected (1%) and unclassified (75%).
 Some grows gigantic (more than 60 m).
 Some shed their leaves in summer, some in winter; hence the forest always
appears evergreen. (Rasheed, 2008)
 Area: 13, 61,670 hector. (Banglapedia)
2. Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest (Sal Forest):
 Concentrated into greater Dhaka, Mymensingh and Tangail districts.
 Mostly occupied (about 75%) by Sal (Shorea robusta).
 Sal is a slow growing tree, but cops up quickly after getting cut down.
 Other trees: Banyan, Amlaki, Sonalu, Palash, Koroi, Chambal, Hartaki, Mango,
Jackfruit, Litchi, Pineapple, Grape etc.

2.  70% of Sal forests have been abolished due to settlement.
 Animal life is endangered and many species are being extinct.
3. Tidal Mangrove Forest (Sundarban):
 Located at the southwestern part of Bangladesh; Satkhira, Khulna.
 64% in Bangladesh, 36% in India.
 Largest Mangrove forest in the world.
 Area: 5, 77,285 hector.
 4, 01,600 ha are on land and remaining is in underwater.
 Fresh Water:28% Saline Zone:26% Moderately Saline: 56% (BUP, 1994)
 Another small mangrove is located at Chakaria, Cox’s Bazar.
 800,000 people rely on Sundarban for livelihood from- wood, fisheries,
honey etc.
 Rich in biodiversity.
 About 425 species found there.