Dharmapur National Park: A Protected Sal Forest Landscape in Dinajpur District, Bangladesh

Dharmapur National Park was officially declared a national park on 24 November 2021, representing the culmination of ongoing efforts to protect the remaining forest area in Dharmapur Union. Prior to national park status, the area had long been recognized as a valuable forest resource, though it faced significant degradation from logging, land encroachment, and illegal settlement. The transformation of the forest from a general protected area to formal national park status reflects a broader trend in Bangladesh of strengthening legal protections for critical ecosystems. Local residents have noted positive changes since the designation, including improved conservation outcomes and new economic opportunities through ecotourism. The park's establishment was accompanied by efforts to address historical losses and restore ecological integrity, with the COVID-19 pandemic period reportedly allowing some natural recovery of flora and fauna populations.

The physical landscape of Dharmapur National Park is characterized by semi-deciduous forest terrain with the Sal tree as the dominant species creating a relatively closed canopy in mature areas. The terrain is relatively flat, typical of the northeastern Indian subcontinent's alluvial plains, but is punctuated by the courses of the Bijra River and a 10-kilometer section of the Nona River that flow through the protected area. These water bodies add ecological diversity and create riparian corridors within the forest. The forest matrix includes both dense tree stands and more open areas with understory vegetation, bamboo clusters, and cane thickests. The landscape is bounded by agricultural land and human settlements, with the park encompassing 21 mouzas or revenue villages within its administrative boundary. The park's location just east of Kaliaganj Bazaar places it at a strategic position between major population centers and the border regions.

The ecological character of Dharmapur National Park is defined by its Sal forest ecosystem, which represents a distinct ecological community within Bangladesh's limited forest cover. The Sal trees create a habitat structure that supports diverse understory species and provides food and shelter for numerous wildlife species. Beyond the dominant Sal, the forest contains a rich mixture of tree species that collectively support a complex ecological community. The presence of two rivers within the park boundary adds aquatic and riparian habitats that complement the terrestrial forest environment. The biodiversity value of the area is evidenced by the presence of more than fifty bird species, making it an important avian habitat in a region where natural forest is increasingly scarce. The forest's structure also supports invertebrate communities and provides ecosystem services including watershed protection and carbon sequestration for the surrounding agricultural landscape.

The wildlife community of Dharmapur National Park is highlighted by exceptional avian diversity, with more than fifty bird species recorded within the forest. The park is particularly noted for the melodic calls of doves that contribute to the forest's distinctive soundscape. Mammalian species present include jungle cats, jackals, mongooses, foxes, and rabbits, representing a modest but functional predator-prey community. The park also supports populations of snakes and vultures, the latter being of particular conservation interest given the global status of many vulture species. Historically, the forest supported larger wildlife including tigers, bears, and nilgai, but these species have been nearly extirpated from the area due to habitat loss and human pressure. The birdlife remains the park's most accessible wildlife attraction, with both resident and potentially migratory species present depending on season.

Dharmapur National Park was established in response to significant conservation challenges facing the Dharmapur Forest, including illegal logging, land grabbing, and gradual reduction of both forest extent and biodiversity. The formal national park designation provides legal framework for protecting the remaining forest ecosystem and its wildlife populations. Conservation activities are conducted through coordination between the Forest Department, local administration, and surrounding communities, reflecting an integrated approach to protected area management. The park serves multiple conservation functions: preserving the Sal forest ecosystem, protecting wildlife habitats, maintaining watershed services, and providing a reference area for ecological research. Local community members have noted that the national park designation has created new opportunities for biodiversity conservation while also providing alternative livelihood options through controlled ecotourism.

The Dharmapur Forest and surrounding area have been part of the cultural landscape of Dinajpur District for generations, with the forest providing resources and services to local communities. The park encompasses 21 revenue villages within its administrative extent, meaning that surrounding agricultural communities have historical connections to the landscape. The forest is known locally as Dharmapur Sal Forest, reflecting the species that defines its character and its importance to regional identity. The transition to national park status has created new economic opportunities for local communities through tourism and related services, providing alternatives to forest resource extraction. The ongoing conservation activities involve community participation, recognizing that sustainable protection depends on the support and engagement of people who live adjacent to the protected area.

Dharmapur National Park offers visitors an accessible forest experience in northern Bangladesh centered on the distinctive Sal tree forest ecosystem. The park's network of winding paved roads allows for easy exploration while the canopy of old Sal trees provides shade and atmosphere. The birdlife, particularly the diverse dove populations with their melodic calls, creates a distinctive auditory experience that many visitors find memorable. The rivers flowing through the forest add scenic variety and ecological interest to the landscape. As one of the most important forests in northern Bangladesh, the park represents both a conservation asset and an educational resource demonstrating the ecological value of protecting forest ecosystems in heavily agricultural regions.

The optimal time to visit Dharmapur National Park is during the cooler winter months from November through February, when temperatures are more comfortable for forest exploration and wildlife activity is often higher during daytime hours. The post-monsoon period in October and November brings lush vegetation following seasonal rains, though some areas may remain damp. Summer months from March through May can be quite hot, making midday visits uncomfortable and reducing wildlife visibility. The forest can be visited year-round, though early morning visits offer the best chances for bird observation and encountering active wildlife. The COVID-19 pandemic period demonstrated the forest's resilience, with natural recovery occurring when human pressure was reduced, suggesting that visiting during less crowded periods may offer both better experiences and less impact on the ecosystem.