| 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 kmē 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. |
