Biodiversity Comparison between Forest-Protected and Forestreserved Areas in Bangladesh in Context of Co-Management for Conservation

Abstract

According to Aichi Biodiversity Target 11, most Forest-protected area (FPAs) was distinguished from reserved forest (RF) areas in Bangladesh to ensure better protection and conservation of biodiversity. Compared with traditionally managed RF areas, FPAs involve the engagement of different stakeholders in forest management. As conservation of biodiversity and cessation of forest degradation are the main targets of community engagement, the status of biodiversity was compared between RF areas and FPAs. In this regard, Chunati Forest Range (CFR) (based on the conventional top–down bureaucratic approach) and Chunati Wildlife Range (CWR) (based on co-management for the last decade but previously managed under conventional top-down approach inside Chunati Forest Range) were selected. Biodiversity was compared through community structure analysis of vascular plants and birds. The effect of microenvironmental variables was also evaluated to assess habitat influence. Finally, conservation implications were hypothesized in terms of the current state of deforestation by analyzing land-use change. Biodiversity analysis revealed that CWR was more diverse than CFR and that species richness between CFR and CWR was significantly different for avifauna (p