BANGLADESH JOURNAL OF FOREST SCIENCE
A Half-yearly Peer Reviewed Journal of Bangladesh Forest Research Institute
A Half-yearly Peer Reviewed Journal of Bangladesh Forest Research Institute
Mangrove forests are the most productive coastal ecosystems of the tropical and sub-tropical areas (Hutchings and Sanger 1987). Mangroves play a crucial role in protecting the life and properties of the coastal communities from the cyclone and tidal surges. It provides habitats for many crustaceans, fishes and marine animals and deliver plant species that can produce both the timber and non-timber forest products that supports the livelihood of the coastal people (Tomlinson 1986; Hellier 1988; Pemadasa 1996; Kathiresan and Qasim 2005).
A study was conducted from 1998 to 2001 in the Sundarban mangrove forests of
Bangladesh covering three salinity zones to determine the effect of deer (Axis axis) on the
newly recruited seedlings of sundari (Heritiera fames), gewa (Excoecaria agallocha), kankra
(Bruguiera sexangula), passur (Xylocarpus mekongensis), baen (Avicennia officinalis), goran
(Ceriops decandra) and amur(Amoora cucullata) in the fenced and unfenced plots. Tire browsing
effect of deer wasfound to vary from species to species because of differences in palatability.
A significant damage of deer was found in the regenerated seedlings of B. sexangula,
X. mekongensis, A. officinalis and H.fames. No significant effect was found for E. agallocha,
C. decandra and A. cucullata
A study was conducted from 1997 to 2000 to determine the effect offelling top dying
affected sundari (Heritiera fames’) trees on the regeneration status in those areas of the
Sundarban. The newly recruited seedlings ofsundari (H.fames), gewa (Excoecaria agallocha)
and kankra (Bruguiera sexangula) were significantly higher in the felled areas compared to
unfelled areas almost all the years. But seedlings of passur (Xylocarpus mekongensis) and
goran (Ceriops decandra) were found significantly higher only in 1997 and 2000 respectively
and amur (Amoora cucullata) in 1997 and 1998 in the felled areas. Moreover, seedlings
recruitment of all species together was significantly higher in the felled areas. Among the
recruited seedlings, H. fames and E. agallocha constituted the highest numbers both in the
felled and unfelled areas. Therefore, salvage felling of the top dying affected sundari trees is
recommended to avoid wastage of wood and to improve regeneration status
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.
