Key Highlights
- In the heart of Bangladesh’s Sylhet region, Lawachara National Park spans 12.5 km² of lush semi‑evergreen and mixed deciduous forest.
- The park’s diverse ecosystems support 460 distinct species, including the critically endangered Western Hoolock Gibbon.
- Its terrain features rolling hills, numerous streams, and a humid tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 27 °C to 36 °C.
- Local communities, comprising tribal and migrant groups, rely on the forest for fuel, food, and subsistence agriculture.
Detailed Insights
Geographical setting: Situated 160 km from Dhaka and 60 km from Sylhet, the park borders the tea‑growing town of Sreemangal, placing it within easy reach of major urban centers.
Agricultural and recreational value: The area attracts nature‑tourists who walk the forest trails and observe rare wildlife, contributing to local eco‑tourism.
Conservation significance: With a mix of permanent green trees and seasonal leaf‑shedding species, the forest maintains high biodiversity and acts as a carbon sink.
Species profile: A tally of 167 plant species, 246 bird species, 20 mammals, 4 amphibians, 6 reptiles, and 17 insects underscores the park’s ecological richness.
Challenges: Heavy monsoon rains, cyclone threats, and seasonal flooding of sandy‑clay soils pose risks to both flora and fauna.
Human dimension: Eighteen neighboring villages and tribal populations such as the Khasi, Tripuri, and Monipuri depend on forest resources while simultaneously contributing to conservation dynamics.
Key Concepts
- Semi‑evergreen forest – a mixed forest that retains a portion of its canopy year‑round while shedding leaves seasonally.
- Mixed deciduous forest – a forest comprising various tree species that shed leaves during dry periods.
- Western Hoolock Gibbon – a primate species endemic to the Sylhet region and classified as critically endangered by the IUCN.