Impact of Climate Change on the Kuakata Sea Shore of Bangladesh

The study aims to assess the diversity of flora and fauna on the shore of Kuakata of Bangladesh and examine the probable impact of climate change. Both primary and secondary data were used to identify the plants and animals and to predict future changes in the ecosystem. It was found that there are uneven and mixed patches of trees dominated by Keora (Sonneratia apetala) and Gewa (Excoecaria agallocha) in the Fatra and Gangamati mangrove forests. The pioneer species Sundari (Heritiera fomes) trees are occasionally distributed in these forests. Golpata (Nypa fruticans) and Hantol (Phoenix paludosa) are the indicator plant species of these ecosystems. Kakra (Bruguiera gymnorhiza) and Pashur (Xylocarpus mekongensis) have become rare species though they were abundant a few decades back. Sporadic patches of Hogla (Typha elephantina) and Golpata exist throughout the area. The plant species composition differs greatly within the forests and the canopy closure is a mosaic. It was found that tropical cyclone Aila caused mass devastation, altered vegetation composition and facilitated biological invasion. The climatic factors include sedimentations, inundation stress and increased salinity at the mangroves. The study recommended several mitigation measures to overcome the challenges.