Diversity and Phytosociology of Natural Regeneration in a Sub-tropical Forest of Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh: Implications for Conservation

ABSTRACT

Natural regeneration in tropical forests is considered an essential part of forest restoration efforts; however, it is often under-estimated where the main focus has traditionally been on tree planting. This study assessed natural regeneration and its potential for the conservation of native tree species in Sitapahar Forest Reserve, Bangladesh. We established 99 temporary plots (2 m × 2 m each) in three canopy classes, namely dense canopy (DC, 70–100% canopy coverage), moderate canopy (MC, 40–70%), and open canopy (OC, <40%). In each plot, regenerating tree species were counted, identified, and height (m), collar diameter (cm), and diameter at breast height (dbh, cm) were measured. We identified 79 regenerating tree species under 31 plant families of which 61 were found in DC areas followed by 56 and 36 in MC and OC areas, respectively. Most of the species in DC areas were late-successional, while the OC areas were dominated by early successional species. Diversity and density of regeneration were lowest in OC areas. Findings of this study suggest harnessing biodiversity conservation by promoting natural regeneration and identifying the areas with higher potential for assisted natural regeneration that will enable in situ conservation of rare and vulnerable species by protecting them from further erosion.

KEYWORDS:

• Canopy gaps
• natural regeneration
• biodiversity conservation
• native species
• succession

Acknowledgments

The Divisional Forest Officer and staff of Chittagong Hill Tract (CHT) South Forest Division and local guide are greatly acknowledged for providing their supports for field measurement and species identification. Authors are indebted to Professor Dr. Kamal Hossain and Asst. Prof. Akhter Hossain of Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, the University of Chittagong for helping in identifying unknown tree species.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

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Additional information

Funding

The Planning and Development office of the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh provided the grant for conducting this research.