Ex Situ CONSERVATION OF Rhizophora mucronata Lam. IN THE SUNDARBAN MANGROVE FOREST OF BANGLADESH

Ex situ collections of Rhizophora mucronata (Jhana), were conserved in the form of living plants in the Sundarban. A few small populations of R. mucronata were found in the Sundarban mangrove forest of Bangladesh and the percentage of regeneration is very poor and seedlings are occurred rare in natural environment. The research was conducted to protect, manage and monitor the planted populations in their wild habitats through Ex situ conservation by the Mangrove Silviculture Division, Bangladesh Forest Research Institute during the period of 2008 to August 2016. Plants were reintroduced to their original or, where necessary, ecologically restored habitats. Alternatively, new areas considered to provide more favorable living conditions as climate change proceeds, can be targeted. Ex situ conservation of R. mucronata is need to be complemented by In situ conservation where appropriate and, in particular, some natural sites are need to be managed. Global changes in population growth and climate change may also affect the ways in which Ex situ sites are designed and managed. Ex situ preservation of R. mucronata in mangrove arboretum of the Sundarban plays an essential role in conserving mangrove diversity. Ex situ conservation helps to provide the flexibility to respond to unforeseen environmental changes and consequent impacts on habitat conservation and utilization of wild plant species. Ex situ collections are sources of plant material for recovery of threatened or endangered species, habitat rehabilitation and restoration, tree improvement, new product development, and a wide variety of research studies. This study provides early information on Ex situ conservation of R. mucronata development in the arboretum of the Sundarban. All these findings reflect that growth performance of R. mucronata is better on 2.5m x 2.5m compared to 2.0m x 2.0m and 1.5m x1.5m spacing in the moderate saline zone of the Sundarban. There is need to updating of IUCN red list for R. mucronata and proper conservation measure should be taken.