Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world, needs a pragmatic research to explore and conserve its existing biodiversity and other valuable resources in the wake of changing climate caused by global warming.
Biologists and other researchers concerned made this observation while conducting a ground level study at different points of the vast forest recently.
More than 20 post-graduate level students of Zoology Department of Rajshahi University and Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology Discipline of Khulna University conducted the study.
The research on identifying adaptive capacity would give a clue to the suitability of species in terms of moderate and high saline and drought environments.
This will ultimately be cultured by the affected people for their livelihood outside the institution.
Department for International Development (DFID) under its 'Development Partnerships in Higher Education (round-4) Project' supported the study.
They study aimed at capacity building to address the impact of climate change in Bangladesh and Ghana with special reference to conservation of saline and drought tolerant species.
"In fact, mangrove ecosystem is very complex and many biotic and non biotic factors continuously work in making the system dynamic," said Team Leader Prof Dr Bidhan Chandra Das of Rajshahi University.
Quoting official records, he said the forest comprises an area of 6,017 square kilometres of which 1,400 square kilometres has been inscribed as world heritage site.
A complex network of tidal waterways, mud flats and small islands of salt tolerant mangrove forest intersects the area.
It has a unique ecosystem having a wide variety of flora and fauna alongside around 300 species of plants, 400 species of fishes, over 270 species of birds, 35 species of reptiles and 42 species of mammals.
Moreover, the Royal Bengal Tiger, the estuarine crocodile, spotted deer and other innumerable varieties of wildlife are present in the mangrove forest.