Many native and local tree species of the Chittagong Hill Tracts are now extinct or close to it.

To protect these critically endangered trees, the government declared 55 plant species protected under the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act of 2012.

According to the environment, forest and climate change ministry, the 55 comprise 42 plants and 13 orchids.

The government has now begun work to re-establish 98 ancient and native plant species of the hills.

Under a project to enrich forest and biodiversity through greening the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the forest department will raise 98 rare and endangered native tree species in the two hill districts of Rangamati and Khagrachhari.

Specialists say the spread of teak planting for profit in the hill tracts has reduced the range of other trees and plants.

Single-species plantations lower soil fertility and water retention; mixed native forest protects both jhum cultivation and the flow of hill streams.

Source: Krishi Shomoy