Kaptai National Park (KNP) is a vital protected area in Bangladesh's Kaptai Upazila of the Rangamati Hill District, spanning 5,464.78 hectares. Established in 1999, the park aims to protect its rich biodiversity (Rahman et al., 2020), which has been threatened by human activities and environmental changes. The transition of the Kaptai forest into a national park brought stricter regulations, causing tension between the local communities, who depend on the forest for their livelihoods, and park managers (Ahsan & Haidar, 2017; Hasan et al., 2023). This situation illustrates the delicate balance between conservation efforts and the needs of local people, emphasizing the importance of collaborative management strategies. Historically, Kaptai National Park was known as the Sitapahar Reserve, covering 14,448 acres (Abdullah et al., 2022; Chowdhury et al., 2018). Local communities used this land for subsistence until the 1960s when the Kaptai hydroelectric dam was built, displacing thousands of people to the forest's outskirts and interior. These communities relied on the forest for agriculture, fishing, bamboo and handloom crafts, and jhum cultivation (a traditional form of shifting agriculture), increasing pressure on forest resources. The situation worsened in 1975 due to armed conflicts between local tribes and the Bangladesh government. In response, the government designated the area as Kaptai National Park in 1999 to protect the forest by limiting human activities. While crucial for conservation, this move restricted local communities' access to forest resources, leading to tensions (Abdullah et al., 2018; Chowdhury et al., 2019). To address these conflicts, Bangladesh adopted a forest co-management system that involves local communities in decision-making, recognizing their essential role in conservation. As of 2016, 17 of Bangladesh's 49 protected areas operate under co-management frameworks, with Kaptai National Park being a key example (M. M. Rahman, Mahmud, et al., 2017). This approach aims to balance ecological preservation with the socio-economic needs of forest-dependent populations, fostering cooperation and shared stewardship.
Kaptai National Park features mixed evergreen forests, diverse wildlife, and significant water bodies, including Kaptai Lake and the Karnaphuli River. These natural resources support the park's biodiversity and provide essential services to residents (Reza, 2010; Reza & Perry, 2015). The park's moist tropical climate, characterized by high annual rainfall and a pronounced monsoon season, influences its ecological dynamics and management Challenges. The Park’s biodiversity is remarkable, with a variety of plant and animal species. The plant life includes teak (Tectona grandis), garjan (Dipterocarpus turbinatus), and several bamboo (Bambusa spp.) and cane (Saccharum spp.) species. The fauna includes numerous bird species like sparrows (Passer domesticus), egrets (Ardea alba), and kingfishers (Alcedo atthis), and mammals such as elephants (Elephas maximus), barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak), and gibbons (Hylobatidae spp.) (Jorin, et al., 2023; Hasan, Kabi, et al., 2023; Miah et al., 2023; Reza, 2010; Reza & Perry, 2015). The park's aquatic ecosystems, especially Kaptai Lake, support a significant fish population, vital for many local residents' livelihoods. The management of Kaptai National Park has evolved to address both conservation and community needs. The Integrated Protected Area Co-management (IPAC) project, launched in 2009, integrates local communities into the park's stewardship (Chakraborty et al., 2021; Nolan & Callan, 2006; M. M. Rahman, Al Mahmud, et al., 2017; Smith et al., 2020). This project promotes the sustainable use of resources while protecting the park's ecological integrity, aiming to resolve conflicts and enhance conservation efforts. Kaptai National Park exemplifies the broader challenges and opportunities in conservation management. Its journey from a reserved forest to a contested protected area, and finally to a co-managed park, reflects ongoing efforts to balance human needs with ecological preservation. By involving local communities in management, the park aims to achieve a sustainable balance, ensuring the protection of its invaluable biodiversity while supporting the livelihoods of those who depend on its resources (Alam et al., 2019; Chowdhury et al., 2018; Rahman et al., 2020; Uddin et al., 2020).
This study aims to assess biodiversity across different forest habitats within Kaptai National Park, Bangladesh, employing tailored ecological methods. It focuses on quantifying species richness, abundance, and diversity indices for trees, birds, mammals, reptiles, and invertebrates in the general forest, river-associated, and tourist-associated areas. Utilizing rigorous sampling techniques like quadrat sampling, transect surveys, live trapping, and pitfall traps, the research aims to elucidate biodiversity patterns influenced by habitat types and human activities. Statistical analyses using R programming will evaluate these patterns, correlating biodiversity metrics with conservation efforts. Ultimately, this study seeks to inform habitat-specific conservation strategies crucial for preserving Kaptai National Park's rich biodiversity amidst environmental and anthropogenic pressures.