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The natural forest areas and native forest tree species in Bangladesh are decreasing at an alarming rate to cope with increased population pressure. Instead of traditional forest management, plantation forestry and agroforestry practices have become an increasingly important source of timber, firewood, pole and posts. Teak, Acacia, Mahogany and Eucalyptus are the most abundant exotic species. The influences of exotic tree plantations on environmental parameters are still largely unknown. Hence, the study aimed to assess the pros and cons of the exotic plantation in Bangladesh. Both primary and secondary data were used in this study. It was found that exotic plantation degrades soil health, alters habitat substantially for native flora and fauna, spreads pests and pathogens and facilitates biological invasion in the natural habitats. It was argued that an exotic plantation is better than a zero plantation in bare/fallow land for restoring green coverage. The study recommended some measures to minimize the negative impacts. Exotic plantations in North Bengal should be halted to avoid further desertification. |
