Environment & We

An International Journal of Science & Technology

 

ISSN: 0975-7112 (Print)

 

ISSN: 0975-7120 (Online)

 

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Ali et al., 2024 / Environ. We Int. J. Sci. Tech. 19, 15-33

https://doi.org/10.70497/ewijst.2024.0102

 

 

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© Society for Environment and Development, (India)

 

 

Riparian Floral Assessment of the Boalia Tributary of the River Halda, Chittagong, Bangladesh

 

Mohammad Nur Ali1,2, Sudipta Sen Gupta1,3*, Chinmoy Sarkar Anik1, Gemechu Jebeso Morketo2,5, Mohammad Wasif Mursalin Sadnan1, Samarshwar Sinha1,4, Israt Zahan Rensy1, and Mohammed Kamal Hossain1

1Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331, Bangladesh

2University of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom.

3Arannayk Foundation, ECB Chattar, Matikata, Dhaka 1206.

4Research and Advocacy Cell, Shushilan, Dhaka, 1207, Bangladesh.

5Ethiopian Forestry Development, Ababa, Ethiopia.

*Email: sudiptosen1995@gmail.com

DOI:10.70497/ewijst.2024.0102

 

Keywords

 

Riparian;

Boalia;

Species Richness;

Life Forms;

Conservation Status

 

 

Abstract

 

Riparian zones are ecologically vital interfaces between terrestrial and aquatic systems, supporting rich biodiversity and delivering key ecosystem services such as water purification, erosion control, and habitat provision. Riparian vegetation was assessed covering a 5-meter width on both banks for the entire length of the Boalia tributary of the Halda River, Chittagong, Bangladesh, resulting in the identification of 324 plant species belonging to 91 families. The floral composition is dominated by herbs (41.7%), followed by trees (23.5%) and shrubs (16%).  Asteraceae and Euphorbiaceae were the most dominant families, each with 16 species (4.94%), followed by Fabaceae with 15 species (4.63%), and Moraceae with 14 species (4.32%). A total of 11 species (3.4%) were found to be threatened, with 1 Endangered (EN) (0.3%) and 10 Vulnerable (VU) (3.1%) species. Moreover, among the identified ones, 13 were Invasive Alien Species (IAS). The findings serve as a baseline for future ecological monitoring and conservation planning. This pioneering research contributes critical data to Bangladesh's underexplored domain of riparian biodiversity. It provides a reference for academic investigation and policy formulation for sustainable riverine ecosystem management.

 

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