DHAKA: Seven plant species have been found regionally extinct in Bangladesh, while five species have become critically endangered, according to the 'Plant Red List of Bangladesh' released today. The new list aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the status of plant species across the country, highlighting significant conservation challenges. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the red list categorizes 271 species as minimally threatened, while 256 species lack sufficient data for a proper assessment. Additionally, 395 species are classified as vulnerable, 127 as endangered, and 263 as near threatened. Furthermore, 70 species fall under the near threatened category, indicating potential risks if current conditions persist. The Plant Red List of Bangladesh was developed under the Sustainable Forests and Livelihoods (SUFAL) program of the Forest Department, with financial support from the World Bank. The Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, unveiled the "Red List of Plants of Bangladesh" at an event held at the Bangladesh Secretariat. Speaking at the occasion, Rizwana Hasan emphasized that the Red List, covering 1,000 plant species, has been prepared to enhance the conservation and management of plant species in Bangladesh. She stated that this initiative allows for an accurate assessment of endangered plant species and supports the prioritization of conservation efforts in line with the government's biodiversity conservation goals. Rizwana Hasan also noted that "The Encyclopedia of Flora and Fauna of Bangladesh" documents 3,813 plant species, which require evaluation for future conservation efforts. She stated that the list would serve as a valuable resource for policymakers and researchers, aiding in achieving environmental stability and promoting biodiversity conservation at both national and international levels. The adviser highlighted that the Red List would provide crucial data for conservationists to guide conservation efforts and allocate resources effectivel y. She mentioned the development of special management strategies in five protected forest areas to mitigate the impact of invasive plant species, with research identifying 17 such species, including water hyacinth and Assam liana, posing environmental threats. Additional Secretaries ASM Humayun Kabir, Fahmida Khanam, and Tapan Kumar Biswas, along with Chief Conservator of Forests Md Amir Hosain Chowdhury, Senior Environmental Specialist of the World Bank Ishtiaq Sobhan, and IUCN representative Sarwar Alam, were present at the event.
