The Sundarbans mangrove forest of Bangladesh is very rich in biodiversity and
provides economic, social and ecological benefits to the country. This important
ecosystem has started loosing its biodiversity because of over-exploitation and
destruction of habitat. Emphasis has been given by the government of Bangladesh
and UNESCO on conservation of biodiversity in the Sundarbans. The paper deals
with the importance of biodiversity, current status of the flora and faunal diversity,
steps already taken and further steps needed for biodiversity conservation in the
Sundarbans forests of Bangladesh.
Key words : Biodiversity, conservation, endangered species, exploitation, extinct
species, Sundarbans
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