Regeneration potentials of tree species in a degraded protected area on the Southeastern Coast of Bangladesh

Understanding natural regeneration dynamics is critical for forest conservation and restoration. This study assessed tree species regeneration, diversity, and structure in Inani National Park (INP), Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Stratified random sampling was employed across 131 plots (19.64 m² each) within four land cover strata: Shrub with Scattered Trees, Hill Forest, Forest Plantation, and Others . A total of 90 regenerating species were recorded, comprising 71 seedlings and 63 saplings. Regeneration varied markedly across land cover strata, with Shrub with Scattered Trees exhibiting the highest species richness, diversity, and recruitment, while Forest Plantation and Other strata showed limited regeneration. Seedlings were more abundant than saplings, reflecting high early-stage recruitment but lower survival to later stages. Species dominance and family composition were habitat-specific, with pioneer and generalist species such as Acacia auriculiformis and members of Fabaceae family showing strong recruitment, whereas several late-successional and specialized species exhibited limited regeneration. Human-induced disturbances—including logging, grazing, and pole extraction—alongside environmental stressors, influenced species composition, height-class distribution, and regeneration potential. The findings provide a baseline for conservation planning, supporting biodiversity management and sustainable forest restoration in INP. Targeted interventions, including assisted natural regeneration and enrichment planting, are recommended to enhance recruitment of underrepresented native species and strengthen the long-term resilience and ecological integrity of the forest.