A Half-yearly Peer Reviewed Journal of Bangladesh Forest Research Institute
A study was conducted from July 2015 to June 2017 in Hazarikhil Wildlife Sanctuary (HWS) of Bangladesh to find out mammalian species diversity, population density and identification of major threats to the mammalian species of this sanctuary. Various methods were used including transect survey to detect diurnal mammals, and camera trap to identify nocturnal mammals. A total of 33 species of mammals were recorded which belongs to 20 families under 9 orders. Among the recorded species, 13 species of carnivores, 4 bats, 2 Primates, and 6 species of rodents constitute the major pail of mammalian community. According to IUCN (2015), among the recorded 33 mammalian species, 11 species were threatened (4 critically endangered, 5 endangered, 2 vulnerable), 15 species were least concerned and 7 species were nearly threatened. Hunting and poaching, human-wildlife conflict, use of poison for fishing, road inside the forest, forest fire, encroachment for gardening, non-insulated electric wire, grazing were identified as major threats to the mammals of this sanctuary.
Species diversity and economic returns of five different components namely timber, fruit, fuelwood, vegetables and non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in homestead agroforestry system were studied at two smallest administrative units (Union) namely Betagi and West Demsha under Chittagong district. Most of the available species under each component at both locations were common. With little exception, the frequency distribution of each component species was similar in all household categories at each study location. Tree components for timber and fruit
were more in West Demsha than in Betagi, whereas components for fuelwood, vegetables and NTFPs were more in Betagi. However, the economic returns from vegetable component were more than those from any other component in both the study locations. The results indicated that homestead agroforestry systems in the study locations were traditional, and generally immediate income generating component like vegetables had been selected by the small and medium households in the establishment of such system.
Welcome to the Bangladesh Journal of Forest Science (BJFS) – a leading platform for advancing the knowledge and understanding of forest science in Bangladesh and beyond. Established with a commitment to excellence, BJFS serves as a cornerstone for researchers, practitioners, and enthusiasts dedicated to the sustainable management and conservation of forest ecosystems.