Bhawal National Park
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Bhawal National Park was established in 1982 and is located in Gazipur, Dhaka Division of Bangladesh, approximately 40 km north of Dhaka city. Its purpose is to protect important habitats as well as to provide opportunities for recreation. It covers 5,022 ha. The most common flora is the unique coppice sal forest. The area was noted for peacocks, tiger, leopard, black panther, elephant, clouded leopard and sambar deer. However much of the wildlife had disappeared and only a few species remain. Also, most of the forest has been denuded and is now occupied by forestry companies or displaced people.[1][2]
Most of this area was covered by forests fifty years ago and the dominant species was Sal (Shorea robusta). Illegal deforestation has left only 600 sq km of the forest and new trees and woodlands have been planted.[3]
The park has 220 plant species, including 43 different tree species, 19 shrubs, 3 palms, 27 grasses, 24 vines, and 104 herbs. The wildlife in the park includes 13 mammals, 9 reptiles, 5 birds and 5 amphibians. In addition the Forest Department has recently introduced peacocks, deers, pythons, and cat fish.[4]
[edit] See also
[edit] Footnotes
- ^ National Parks in Bangladesh. bangladesh.com. Retrieved on 2007-08-16.
- ^ Wildlife Biodiversity in Bhawal National Park. School of Environmental Science and Management, Independent School, Bangladesh. Retrieved on 2007-08-18.
- ^ Madhupur Tract. Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. Retrieved on 2007-08-18.
- ^ Eco tourism in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Forest Department. Retrieved on 2007-08-18.
