DETERMINATION OF TREE DIVERSITY IN Sal (Shorea robusta) FOREST AREAS OF BANGLADESH

The tropical moist deciduous forest is the most important natural resource of Bangladesh and is rich in biodiversity.  Shorea robusta Roxb. ex Gaertn. f.  is the dominant tree species in moist deciduous forest areas. Shorea robusta forest areas are the most important for ecological balance in the central and northern parts of Bangladesh. Moist deciduous forest areas are declining at an alarming rate due to anthropogenic activities. The main aim of the study was to determine the present status of the tree species in the Shorea robusta forest areas of Bangladesh. A systematic sampling using Global Positioning Systems was followed for the selection of plots. The present study revealed that a total of 102 tree species of 68 genera under 37 families were recorded in the study areas. The dominant families with respect to species number were Euphorbiaceae (11), Moraceae (10), Mimosaceae (7), Meliaceae (5), Myrtaceae (5) Caesalpiniaceae (4), Dipterocarpaceae (2), and 13 families were represented by two species and 17 families were represented by a single species. The present study also indicated that a total of 13 types of fruit were found and the drupe type of fruit was dominant and possessed 25.50 % in the study areas.  The contribution of the samara type of fruit was only 0.98% and the lowest in the Shorea robusta forest areas. Determination of the actual tree species is essential for proper management and sustainable development of the Shorea robusta forest areas. The findings of the present investigation will be helpful for the protection, sustainable management and conservation of tree species in the Shorea robusta forest areas of Bangladesh.