Ecosystem Services of Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary, Habiganj, Sylhet, Bangladesh
Author: S. M. Mahmudur Rahman*, Sanjidah Khanam Atia, Faria Rahman, Mohammad Shah Nibraz, Tarek Shahriar, Moyury Tabassum Mowry, Md. Hafijul Islam Joy, Masuma Hossain Dina, Md. Saratul Islam Minhaz and A. B. M. Kamal Pasha
Department of Environmental Science and Disaster Management (ESDM), Faculty of Health and Life Sciences (FHLS), Daffodil International University (DIU), Daffodil Smart City (DSC), Birulia, Savar, Dhaka - 1216, Bangladesh.
Published Date: 2024-10-08
Keywords: Ecosystem services, Wildlife sanctuary, Flora, Fauna, Avifauna.
Abstract:
Bangladesh, as a developing country, is widely focused on its immense development projects without considering the environment and ecosystem. The natural ecosystem provides services to living organisms and contributes to maintaining a balance in the environmental equilibrium. In Bangladesh, Rema Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary (RKWS) is the largest reserve forest after the Sundarbans, inhabiting a huge number of species, both floral and faunal. This study identifies the products and services (ecosystem services) that the RKWS generates to the population. A total of 212 provisioning services (fruit, fish, vegetables, medicine, flowers, crafts), a huge variety of ecosystem functions as regulating services, 84 cultural services (recreation and relaxation, spiritual and ritual practices, social relations, economic opportunities, academics and research, and different local beliefs), 150 plant species (46% tree, 22.66% shrub, 25.33% herb and 5.33% climber), 37 animal species (7 endangered and 3 vulnerable), 27 fish species (3 vulnerable) and 43 bird species (1 vulnerable and 1 critically endangered) has been identified at RKWS. The study provides an understanding of the huge importance of natural environment and ecosystem. Decision-makers and the government should look at it to consider the environment as an integral component of sustainable development. Also, further research and policy are required to manage not only the forests but also all the open green spaces in a way that is socially equitable and environmentally comprehensive.
