Govt includes 1,000 threatened species in 'Red List of Plants'

The government on Monday included 1,000 plants in its 'Red List of Plants', which have been categorised as threatened in a varying degree.
As many as 271 species are minimally threatened, 256 species lack sufficient data, and 395 species are vulnerable, among which five are critically endangered, 127 are endangered, and 263 are near threatened, according to the list.
Additionally, 70 species are classified as nearly threatened, while seven have been identified as regionally extinct.
Publishing the list at the secretariat in the capital, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said the list has been prepared to ensure effective conservation and management of plant species in Bangladesh.
She further noted that the list enabled an accurate assessment of endangered plant species.
The advisor emphasised that this initiative would support prioritising plant conservation and contribute in the government's biodiversity conservation goals.
She also mentioned "The Encyclopedia of Flora and Fauna of Bangladesh", which has documented 3,813 plant species, which require evaluation for future conservation efforts.
This list in the encyclopedia will serve as a valuable resource for policymakers and researchers, aiding in achieving environmental stability and promoting biodiversity conservation at national and international levels, she said.
She also highlighted that the 'Red List of Plants' would provide conservationists with essential data to guide conservation efforts and allocate resources effectively.
The adviser also noted the development of special management strategies in five protected forest areas to reduce the impact of invasive plant species.
Research has identified 17 invasive plant species in Bangladesh, such as water hyacinth and Assam liana, which pose environmental threats.
Measures to control these impacts include import restrictions, prevention of commercialisation, and effective management practices. These initiatives are expected to play a vital role in preserving forests and forest resources, both nationally and internationally.
Additional Secretary Fahmida Khanam, Additional Secretary Tapan Kumar Biswas, Chief Conservator of Forests Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury, Senior Environmental Specialist of the World Bank Md Istiak Sobhan, and IUCN representative Sarwar Alam were present at the event, among others.

[email protected]