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Conservation letter

A review of the present threats to tropical moist deciduous Sal (Shorea robusta) forest ecosystem of central Bangladesh [ 90-102 ]

Mohammed Mahabubur Rahman, Md. Motiur Rahman, Zhang Guogang, Kazi Shakila Islam

Abstract
The tropical moist deciduous Sal (Shorea robusta) forest ecosystem of central Bangladesh is currently in a critical situation. Destructive anthropogenic and natural impacts coupled with overexploitation of forest resources have caused severe damage to the forest ecosystem. Sal is usually harvested for construction works, fuel wood, timbers, tannins, pillars, and furniture making purposes. The rapidly expanding agriculture in the forest land is a significant threat to the Sal forest ecosystem. This forest has been rapidly exhausted in recent times due to rubber monoculture and expanding commercial fuel-wood plantations. Due to illegal cutting, encroachment of forest areas, and illegal poaching of wildlife, the Sal forest is losing biodiversity at an alarming rate. The present status of the Sal forest ecosystem has been briefly discussed in this paper. After reviewing contemporary literature and analyzing findings of published research regarding the present threats to the Sal forest ecosystem of Bangladesh, this study recommends adoption of a sustainable forest management strategy based on scientific concepts of advanced silviculture. Furthermore, the requirement of further scientific research for better understanding of the Sal forest ecosystem has been stressed. Finally, this paper asserts that conservation and protection of the Sal forest ecosystem of Bangladesh can be achieved if sustainable forest management strategies are developed by involving all relevant stakeholders in the policy formulation process.


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General interest summaries (when available)
    English: The tropical moist deciduous Sal (Shorea robusta) forest ecosystem of central Bangladesh is currently in a critical situation. Destructive anthropogenic and natural impacts coupled with overexploitation of forest resources have caused severe damage to the forest ecosystem. Sal is usually harvested for construction works, fuel wood, timbers, tannins, pillars, and furniture making purposes. The rapidly expanding agriculture in the forest land is a significant threat to the Sal forest ecosystem. This forest has been rapidly exhausted in recent times due to rubber monoculture and expanding commercial fuel-wood plantations. Due to illegal cutting, encroachment of forest areas, and illegal poaching of wildlife, the Sal forest is losing biodiversity at an alarming rate. The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) estimated that about 36% of the Sal forest cover existed in 1985; while in 1990 only about 10% of the forest cover remained. Now it is crucial time to conserve this Sal forest from all kinds of threats. Silvicultural systems must be improved to promote effective regeneration. At the same time, sustainable alternatives to forest-based livelihoods such as home gardening, forest product-based small cottage industry, beekeeping, and poultry farming may be explored. Furthermore, the requirement of further scientific research for better understanding of the Sal forest ecosystem has been stressed. Finally, the future existence of the Sal forest in Bangladesh depends on the development and successful implementation of a sustainable management plan to protect and conserve these important resources.

    Español: Rahman et al estudiaron los problema de conservación aquejando a los bosques de Sal (Shorea robusta) en el centro de Bangladesh. Dichos bosques son un ecosistema único y en peligro. Los autores señalan que la destrucción antropogénico, asi como aquella causada por fenómenos naturales y la sobre explotación de los recursos de estos bosques, han causado un daño severo a los bosques de Shorea robusta. Rahman et al comentan que los arboles de Sal son cosechados para trabajos de construcción, leña, madera, pilares y fabricación de muebles. Sin embargo, en tiempos recientes, la expansión de mono cultivos de hule y la expansión de la industria de madera como combustible se han convertido en presiones principales en la conservación de los bosques de Shorea robusta. Ellos sugieren que el establecimiento de sistemas silvipastorales mejorados puede ser una alternativa para promover la regeneración de estos bosques.
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   Tropical Conservation Science is an open-access e-journal that publishes research relating to conservation of tropical forests and other tropical ecosystems.

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