Kaptai National Park was established in 1999 and its area is 5,464.78 hectares(13,498.0 Acres). Prior to declaration of the national park it was
Sitapahar Reserve. The original Sitapahar Reserve area was 14,448.0 acres.Out of this an area of 100 acres have been dereserved for the
establishment of the industrial estate at Kaptai.It is about 57 kilometer from Chittagong city. It comprises with two Ranges namely Kaptai
Range and Karnaphuli Range.
Kaptai National park is being managed under CHT South Forest Division. It is historically important because of first time Teak(Tectona
grandis) plantation in Bangladesh was started from this area. Its forest type is mixed evergreen forest.In 2009 IPAC(Integrated Protected Area
Co-management) project started its activities in this protected area. Nevertheless it is an absolutely amazing natural area that has to be
experienced to be truly appreciated. This is where rolling green hills greet the dramatic blue azure of the Kaptai Lake in a vibrant juxtaposition
of color. Numerous natural springs each add their own special appeal to the park while wildlife amaze the public as they scuttle about on their
daily activities.
Kaptai National Park contains with two Ranges namely Karnaphuli Range and Kaptai Range. Kaptai National park is being directed in CHT
South Forest Division. It is traditionally important because of first time teak plantation in Bangladesh. It was started from this area. The type of
this forest is mixed evergreen forest. Integrated Protected Area Co-management project created its activities in this cosseted area in 2009.
Kaptai National Park is exclusive for its famous colossal Teak plantations of 1873-1879. It was the opening points of modern Forest
Management in this associate continent. This plantation has taken the appeal of natural forests and sustains wildlife. There are many
significant plants available in the Kaptai National Park like kali garjan, gutguti, boher, pitali, pitraj, jarul and so many. Remarkable animals are
Asian elephant, western hoolock gibbon , Phayre’s leaf monkey, capped leaf monkey, dholes, wild boar, sambar, barking deer and other
animels.
Kaptai National Park appears to be greatest wildlife abode despite its relatively smaller size with an integrated study suggesting it to be the
home of 50 percent of the country's total wildlife species.
"Kaptai National Park in Rangamati appears to be the home of highest number of wildlife species in a relatively smaller area . . . this is the
greatest abode for the wildlife in terms of presence of species," principal investigator of the study Professor Monirul Hassan Khan of
Jahangirnagar University told BSS.
