Human-plant interactions in the urban vegetation: A comparative study between the National Botanical Garden and Ramna Park, Dhaka

Abstract: Rapid urbanization exerts considerable pressure on urban vegetation, affecting plant structure, health, and ecological resilience. This study assessed anthropogenic stress and structural damage in vegetation across two urban green spaces, the National Botanical Garden and Ramna Park in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The study was conducted in mid-September 2025 to avoid heavy rainfall and leaf fall effects. For data collection, a 10 × 10 m² quadrat was set up along the pathways at each site in the National Botanical Garden and Ramna Park, ensuring at least 200 m spacing between adjacent plots. A total of 295 individual plants representing 59 species were surveyed to evaluate population structure, species composition, and types of structural damage. Four major damage categories were considered: stem incision, leaf splitting, stem breakdown, and signboard attachment. Results revealed notable site-specific differences. The National Botanical Garden hosted a higher number of individuals (214) but experienced on incised plant body damage, indicating a relatively protected and managed environment. In contrast, Ramna Park exhibited slightly higher species richness but greater overall damage frequency, particularly incision and stem injury, reflecting stronger anthropogenic pressures such as visitor activity and traffic exposure. The results emphasize the influence of management intensity and visitor pressure on the health and structural stability of plants within urban green spaces. Minimizing physical disturbances, strengthening monitoring systems, and promoting resilient native species emerge as key measures to sustain ecological balance. This comparative evaluation offers important guidance for urban vegetation management and highlights the importance of sustainable planning to reduce human-induced stress in rapidly expanding tropical cities. 

Keywords: Management effects, human-plant interactions, tree health, urban green spaces, Dhaka city