Sundarbans has the largest mangrove forest in the world with a large number of Royal Bengal Tigers. Wetland to marine organisms has 78 species of mangroves as recorded across the forest. Sundarbans covers an area of around 10,000 km2 in the delta of Ganges and lies on the south-east of Kolkata and borders the Bay of Bengal.
About Sunderban National Park
- The Sunderban National Park is located in the south-east of Calcutta in the District of West Bengal and forms part of the Gangetic Delta.
- The Sundarbans mangrove forest, one of the largest such forests in the world, lies across India and Bangladesh on the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers on the Bay of Bengal.
- It is adjacent to the border of India’s Sundarbans World Heritage site inscribed in 1987.
- A complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats, and small islands of salt-tolerant mangrove forests intersect the site, presenting an excellent example of ongoing ecological processes.
- The area is known for its wide range of fauna, including 260 bird species, the Bengal tiger and other threatened species such as the estuarine crocodile and the Indian python.
- It is home to many rare and globally threatened wildlife species such as the estuarine crocodile, Royal Bengal Tiger, Water monitor lizard, Gangetic dolphin, and olive ridley turtles.
Map of Sunderban National Park
Eco System
The Sundarbans provides a unique ecosystem and a rich wildlife habitat. People of Sunderban are directly or indirectly related to income Sundarbans National Park India. Entire Eastern India is dependent on the fishery resources from Sunderban. millions of people live in the biosphere reserve. They depend directly on forest and forest-based resources since agriculture is not productive enough due to saline water. fuelwood, fishing, crap, thatching leaves, honey, and wax are the main sources of income.
Flora
- Sundarbans is home to approximately 64 species of plants that have adapted to the unique estuarine conditions and high saline content in the water.
- Some of the commonly found plants and trees in the Sundarbans include Dhundal or Cannonball mangrove (Xylocarpus granatum), Passur (Xylocarpus mekongensis), Garjan (Rhizophora spp.), Sundari (Heritiera fomes), and Goran (Ceriops decandra).
- The Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem is a remarkable example of how various plant species have adapted to the brackish water and tidal conditions, forming a critical habitat for diverse flora and fauna.
- Sundari (Heritiera fomes) is one of the most prominent tree species in the Sundarbans and holds ecological significance as it provides habitat and support for various aquatic and terrestrial creatures.
Fauna
- Animals : The Royal Bengal Tiger enjoys a large and dominant presence in the Sundarbans and attracts numerous tourists. Other animals include Fishing cats, Macaques, Leopard Cats, Indian Grey Mongoose, Wild Boar, Flying Fox, Pangolin, Chital Deer, Rhesus Monkey, etc.
- Marine Life/Amphibians/Reptiles : Crocodiles, Red Fiddler Crabs, Hermit Crabs, Water Monitor, King Cobra, Rock Python, River Turtles, Barking Deer, etc.
Popular Tourism Spots in Sunderban National Park
- Sajnekhali Watch Tower:- The tower is known for spotting wildlife animals and spotting birds. It is located close to the park and can accommodate 20 people at once.
- Kalash Island:- Visit Kalash Island inside the Sunderbans, especially during the winter season, as it gets many Olive Ridley Turtles for nesting as the guests. It is also a great place for spotting different kinds of birds such as The Great Stone Curlew (The Great Thick-Knee).
- Henry Island:- Explore the luscious Henry Island along with its beaches or mangrove jungle which is reachable by crossing a small bamboo bridge. There is a fishery department here comprising more than 50 ponds and is a great way to observe the flora and fauna of the area.
- Netidhopani:- This is the only place left in Sundarbans forest land where you can see the ruins of the settlements made by people who lived here. One of these is a 400 year old Shiva temple and also a road to the extreme right of the forest built by King Pratapaditya to guard the coastal area.
- Burirdabri:- Burirdabri comprises of a watch tower, a mud walk, and a mangrove cage trail which leads to a viewpoint called Raimongal viewpoint. You can witness various amphibians and the watchtower here lets you see the Sundarbans in the Bangladesh region.
Challenges
The Sunderban Tiger Reserve has several challenges to its future operations. Due to wandering tigers, human-tiger conflict continues to be an issue. Sunderban tigers hunt humans, and it is estimated that over a thousand of the local people have been killed by tigers over the past four decades. An estimation of the number of tigers present in the reserve using the refined method has not yet been completed. A tiger conservation plan is awaited as are constitutions for the State level Steering Committee under the Chairmanship of the Chief Minister and the reserve-specific Tiger Conservation Foundation.
FAQs about Sunderban National Park
Sunderban National Park is located in the south-east of Calcutta (Kolkata) in the District of West Bengal, India. It forms part of the Gangetic Delta and borders the Bay of Bengal.
Sunderban National Park is one of the largest mangrove forests in the world, stretching across India and Bangladesh. It is known for its rich biodiversity, including a variety of fauna and flora, and is home to the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger.
Sunderban National Park covers an area of approximately 10,000 km2 in the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers.
The park is home to diverse wildlife, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, Fishing Cats, Macaques, Indian Grey Mongoose, Wild Boar, Flying Foxes, Pangolins, Chital Deer, Crocodiles, River Turtles, King Cobras, and various marine and amphibious species.
Read also:- Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha
Sunderban National Park, West Bengal
