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The Sundarbans mangrove forest, one of the largest such forests in the world (140,000 ha), lies 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. 

 

The site which was  intersected by a complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats and small islands of salt-tolerant mangrove forests, and presents an excellent example of ongoing ecological processes. The area which is also  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.

 

The Sundarbans plays an important role in the economy of the southwestern region of Bangladesh as well as in the national economy. It is the single largest source of forest produce in the country.

 

The forest provides raw materials for wood-based industries. In addition to traditional forest produce like timber, fuelwood, pulpwood etc., large-scale harvest of non-wood forest products such as thatching materials, honey, beeswax, fish, crustacean and mollusc resources of the forest takes place regularly.

 

The vegetated tidal lands of the Sundarbans function as an essential habitat, produces nutrients and purifies water. The Sunderbans provides an aesthetic attraction for local and foreign tourists. The water houseboat in the Sundarbans is also a recent attraction among the tourists.

 

 Here are Top 15 Interesting Facts about Sundarbans 

 

Sundarbans has got largest Mangrove forest in the world. One of the primary reasons behind the growth of mangrove vegetation is the salty coastal waters all around the Sundarbans.

 

It comprises of 4000 sq. km, with 102 islands, out of which 54 are inhabited and the rest which has been  covered with forest. Sundarbans has the world’s largest coastal mangrove forest, around 10,000 km2 shared between India and Bangladesh.

 

Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve has been  considered to be India’s Largest Fishery Board because of its brackish water fish production and marine fisheries.

The forest consist of 102 islands which is 16 less than comparable to the city of Venice. Among these 102 islands, 54 of them are where people are leaving and the rest is fully occupied by forest. 40 percent of the total area of Sundarbans is in India and the rest is in Bangladesh.

 

 

Sundarbans has a unique Tidal Phenomenon occurring twice a day. There are high tides  which are formed when the water level rises around 6-10 feet and low tides when the huge mud land area lying flat.

 

Visiting Sundarbans during the high tides will give you the opportunity to explore the forest and the wild animals by boat. If you are looking for exploring wildlife, then high tides are the most appropriate time for boats to get into the forest is search of wild animals.

Gosaba is the biggest and last inhabited island on Sundarbans, located on the Indian side. It comprises of 40% of the total area of Sundarbans. After this island, the area for a huge dense forest starts. This island has its own hospitals, government offices, schools and panchayats

 

Sundarbans Tiger Reserve counts the highest number of tigers in the world. While roaming around the dense evergreen delta-forests, you will actually feel the presence of wild animals around you. Unlike other national park, wildlife safari has been  done by ferries and boats here.

According to the 2015 tiger census in Bangladesh, and the 2011 tiger census in India, the Sundarbans have about 180 tigers (106 in Bangladesh and 74 in India).

Sundarbans Jungle which was  named after the large mangrove trees Sundari. It means beautiful no one can deny the fact that the park is beautiful and bountiful thanks to the abundant flora and fauna.

 

The mangrove forest in  UNESCO world heritage site, itself is named after the once abundant Sundari tree. The Sundari is the dominant mangrove tree species of the Sundarbans of India and Bangladesh

The Sundarbans which was  originally measured (about 200 years ago) to be of about 16,700 square kilometers (6,400 sq. mi). Now it has dwindled into about one-third of its original size. 

 

The total land area today is 4,143 square kilometers (1,600 sq. mi), including exposed sandbars with a total area of 42 square kilometers (16 sq. mi); the remaining water area of 1,874 square kilometers (724 sq. mi) encompasses rivers, small streams and canals. Rivers in the Sundarbans are meeting places of salt water and freshwater.

 

 Thus, it is a region of transition between the freshwater of the rivers originating from the Ganges and the saline water of the Bay of Bengal.

  Being one of the distinctive and natural resource endowments, Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve is considered to be India’s Largest Fishery Board because of the   area is also popular for its brackish marine fisheries and water fish production. It covers a total area of 50 hectares.

The Sundarbans contains different types of forests, including mangrove scrub, littoral forest, saltwater mixed forest, brackish water mixed forest and swamp forest.

 As well as extensive areas of brackish water and freshwater marshes, intertidal mudflats, sandflats, sand dunes, and raised areas supporting a variety of terrestrial shrubs and trees.

 

 Hence totaling to a total of 334 species. This record which was  made by David Prain in 1903 in Bangladesh’s mangrove forests. Including the Sundari (Heritiera littoralis), keora (Sonneratia apetala), Kangra (Bruguiera gymnorhiza

On a new moon night, on night safari one can see the phytoplankton in the water. Phytoplanktons are the microorganisms which reflect light in the dark. Under the moonlight, it is difficult to see the phytoplanktons lights.

11. It is a haven for birdwatchers

Over 300 bird species dwell among the dense canopy and soar over the waterways.  From the majestic Brahminy kite, with its reddish-brown plumage and white markings, to the jewel-toned kingfisher, it is home to numerous species. With about 139 migratory species in winter and summer, the area is a true birdwatchers dream.

12. It has a unique ecosystem

The Sundarbans thrives in a unique brackish water environment, where the freshwater from rivers like the Ganges meets the Bay of Bengal’s salty waters. This delicate balance, constantly shifting with the tides, allows a variety of plants and animals to flourish. This dynamic creates a niche for specialized species that have adapted to thrive in the ever-changing environment.

13. It is home to the endangered Gangetic dolphin

The endangered Gangetic dolphin, a freshwater mammal is known for its long pointed snout and poor vision. The presence of this freshwater species in the Sundarbans highlights the complex interplay between the river systems and the Bay of Bengal, creating a habitat suitable for a diverse range of aquatic life.

However, it still faces significant threats in the Sundarbans, including habitat degradation from pollution, dam construction, and water diversion. Conservation efforts are essential, including the establishment of protected areas and the promotion of sustainable practices to ensure the health of the river systems.

14. Acts as a natural barrier protecting the coastlines

The Sundarbans acts as a natural barrier, safeguarding the coastlines of India and Bangladesh from the wrath of cyclones and storm surges. The dense network of mangrove trees acts as a giant buffer zone, absorbing the brunt of powerful winds and waves, mitigating their impact on human settlements.

Studies have shown that areas with healthy mangrove forests experience significantly less damage during cyclones, highlighting the Sundarbans’ crucial role in protecting millions of people in the coastal regions.

15. Part of the world’s largest delta

Nestled at the edge of a geographical giant, the Sundarbans is part of a bigger story. The Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, titans among waterways, converge here, creating the world’s largest delta.

Over millennia, these rivers have tirelessly deposited rich sediments, crafting the perfect platform for the Sundarbans to emerge. This fertile base, coupled with the unique meeting of freshwater and saltwater, provides the ideal conditions for the Sundarbans’ intricate ecosystem to thrive