The mangrove forests
Mangroves are unique trees and shrubs that grow in coastal areas, where the land meets the sea. Found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, they have adapted to survive in salty water and areas with daily changing tides. There are about 80 species of mangroves, some of which grow on special roots called “prop roots,” which make them look like they are standing on stilts above the water. Other types have “aerial roots” that stick out of the soil, allowing them to breathe in the oxygen they need, since the muddy ground is often low in oxygen.
Mangroves are important because they help protect coastlines from erosion caused by waves, storms, and tides. Their strong root systems create a stable environment, which also provides a safe home for many animals like fish and crabs. For example, during a super-cyclone in India in 1999, villages near mangrove forests had fewer casualties than those without mangrove protection.
Mangrove forests are only found in warmer regions because they cannot survive freezing temperatures. These forests help slow down the movement of water, trapping mud and creating a rich habitat for wildlife. They are also vital to humans, offering protection from storms, providing fuel, and supporting marine life, especially young fish.
Indonesia has the largest mangrove coverage in the world, with its forests covering an area larger than the size of Maryland.
Sundarbans Mangrove
The Sundarbans is a large, beautiful mangrove forest spread across India and Bangladesh, located in the Bay of Bengal. It is famous for being the world’s largest mangrove forest, covering around 10,000 square kilometers, and is home to many rare animals, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, estuarine crocodiles, and Gangetic dolphins. About 40% of the forest is in India, and the rest is in Bangladesh.
The name “Sundarbans” likely comes from the “Sundari” tree, a type of mangrove found in the area. The forest is made up of low-lying islands, dense trees, and waterways, constantly shaped by the movement of the sea and rivers. These mangroves help protect the land from erosion and provide shelter to many animals.
The Sundarbans is not only important for wildlife but also for the people living nearby. Around 12 million people live in the greater Sundarbans region. Over the years, conservation efforts have been made to protect the area, with parts of the forest designated as national parks and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Despite the dangers of the wild, many people visit the Sundarbans, attracted by its beauty and the chance to see the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger.
The history of human settlement in the Sundarbans goes back centuries, with the forest being mapped and managed by the British during colonial times. Today, the forest is a symbol of both natural beauty and mystery, as locals believe the area is watched over by a protective god or goddess of the forest.
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The Sundarbans Tiger
The Sundarbans is the only mangrove forest in the world that is home to tigers, specifically the Royal Bengal Tiger, one of the rarest and most dangerous tiger species. These tigers are a big attraction for visitors to the Sundarbans, and the forest is an important stronghold for them. In fact, the Sundarbans is a key habitat for Bengal tigers, which make up about half of the world’s wild tiger population, though they are still endangered.
Both India and Bangladesh share this tiger habitat, with about 60% of the forest in Bangladesh and 40% in India. However, despite the vast area, tiger numbers are relatively low, with around 101 (tiger census report 2022) tigers in India and 114 (tiger census 2018) in Bangladesh. One of the major issues in the Sundarbans is the conflict between tigers and people. Many people venture into the forest to collect resources, which often leads to dangerous encounters with tigers.
In addition to poaching, climate change poses a serious threat. Rising sea levels are affecting both the tigers’ habitat and the people who live nearby, while other pressures like pollution, changes in salinity, and overuse of natural resources make survival challenging for both wildlife and humans. Despite these challenges, the Royal Bengal Tiger remains a symbol of the beauty and cultural importance of the Sundarbans.
The Tiger-Human Conflict
The tiger-human conflict in the Sundarbans is a serious issue that has affected both the local population and the Royal Bengal Tiger. This conflict arises primarily because people living in the Sundarbans often venture into the forest to collect resources like honey, wood, and fish, bringing them into close contact with the tigers. The tigers, in turn, sometimes enter nearby villages in search of food, leading to attacks on people.
One example of this conflict is the case of honey collectors, known as moulis. Every year, groups of moulis enter the mangrove forests during the honey-gathering season. However, they risk tiger attacks, as the Sundarbans tigers are known to be strong swimmers and often attack people in the water or on boats. Over the years, many moulis have lost their lives to tiger attacks.
Another example involves fishermen. Fishermen in the Sundarbans rely on the forest’s waterways for their livelihood, but these areas are also tiger habitats. In some instances, tigers have attacked fishermen while they are working on their boats or resting on the shore.
The conflict has worsened due to habitat loss. Rising sea levels and the shrinking of the Sundarbans due to climate change are pushing both tigers and humans closer together, increasing the likelihood of encounters. Additionally, tigers that stray from the forest sometimes attack livestock or even people in nearby villages, causing fear and economic losses to local communities.
Efforts to reduce this conflict include the creation of tiger-proof fences around villages and offering compensation for livestock losses. The authorities have also introduced tiger-repelling techniques, like using masks that resemble human faces worn on the back of heads (since tigers prefer to attack from behind), to deter tiger attacks.
Despite these efforts, the tiger-human conflict remains one of the biggest challenges in the Sundarbans, as both the tigers and the people depend on the forest for survival.
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Other Animals
The Sundarbans is not only renowned for its Royal Bengal Tigers but is also home to a fascinating array of other wildlife. Among the most iconic animals in this mangrove ecosystem is the Estuarine Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), which has the largest population in the region. These formidable reptiles thrive in the brackish waters and estuaries of the Sundarbans and can grow to massive lengths, making them one of the largest living reptiles in the world.
Historically, the Sundarbans supported a much richer diversity of large mammals, including species like the Javan Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus), Swamp Deer (Cervus duvauceli), and Wild Buffalo (Bubalus arnee). Unfortunately, due to habitat loss and hunting, these animals have disappeared from the region. There are also records suggesting that Barking Deer (Muntiacus muntjak) once roamed the Sundarbans, but they have not been seen in recent years in the parts of the forest that fall within West Bengal, India.
Chital (spotted deer) and wild pigs are now the major prey species for tigers in the Sundarbans. These herbivores play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem, and their population directly impacts the tiger’s ability to thrive.
In addition to these larger animals, the Sundarbans is home to a variety of smaller carnivores, such as the Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) and the Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis). Both of these elusive small cats are found in fairly good numbers and are well adapted to the swampy environment. The Fishing Cat, in particular, is specially adapted to hunting in the watery habitats of the mangroves.
The Rhesus Macaque is the only primate species found in the Sundarbans. These monkeys are commonly seen in the forest, playing an important role in seed dispersal and maintaining the health of the forest ecosystem.
A birding Paradise
The Sundarbans is a haven for birdwatchers, with an impressive diversity of bird species. Around 365 species have been recorded in this vast mangrove forest, making it a great spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. The region is particularly famous for its waterbirds and kingfishers, and some rare species have been sighted here.
One of the unique aspects of birdwatching in the Sundarbans is the variety of kingfisher species. Of the 12 species found in India, nine can be spotted in this region. These include the Common Kingfisher, Stork-billed Kingfisher, and the striking Black-capped Kingfisher. The forests and mudflats of the Sundarbans also attract many wading birds, including sandpipers, curlews, plovers, and terns.
The Sajnakhali Wildlife Sanctuary, located within the Sundarbans, is particularly popular for birdwatching. It’s home to breeding colonies of species like the Oriental Darter and Black-necked Stork, both of which are Near Threatened. The Mangrove Whistler, a species found in mangrove habitats, is one of the notable birds here. Another bird of special interest is the Mangrove Pitta, a rare species with recent sightings near the Sudhanyakhali watchtower, which was first confirmed in the Indian Sundarbans only a few years ago.
There are also historical records of rare birds like the Greater Adjutant Stork, Finn’s Baya, and recently sighted species like the White-rumped Vulture and Slender-billed Vulture. The Sundarbans mudflats host thousands of waterbirds, making it an ideal destination for bird lovers looking to observe a wide variety of species in their natural habitat.
Rare species like the Jouanin’s Petrel have also been spotted here, marking important records for birdwatchers. While some species like the Spoon-billed Sandpiper have not been recently recorded on the Indian side of the Sundarbans, they are still seen in the Bangladesh part of the forest, suggesting that they might also occur in India.
Conclusion
The Sundarbans Mangrove stand as a testament to nature’s resilience and the intricate balance between wildlife and their habitats. Home to the legendary Royal Bengal Tiger, this mangrove forest offers a unique glimpse into the life of one of the world’s most iconic predators, surviving in one of the harshest landscapes. Despite its challenges, including human-wildlife conflict, climate change, and habitat loss, the Sundarbans remains a vital sanctuary for a diverse range of species. Preserving this fragile ecosystem is crucial, not just for the survival of the tigers but for the future of countless other species that depend on it. As the world grapples with the effects of environmental degradation, the Sundarbans stands as a reminder of the urgent need for conservation efforts. Protecting this natural wonder is essential not only for the people who call it home but for the global community that cherishes the wild and untamed beauty of our planet.
Mr. Vibhav Srivastava is a seasoned wildlife biologist and ecotourism professional with over 20 years of experience across wildlife research, forest management, conservation education, and sustainable tourism in India.
Currently at Nature Safari India, he curates immersive wildlife experiences, leads conservation communication, and designs educational outreach programs. His expertise spans both in-situ and ex-situ conservation, with extensive field work in all major wildlife landscapes of Central, Northern, Eastern, and Southern India. Notable contributions include all-India tiger monitoring with the Wildlife Institute of India, community-based conservation initiatives, and training forest staff and nature guides.
He has held key roles with RARE India, National Zoological Park (New Delhi), Le Passage to India, Tiger Protection Group, and served as Chief Naturalist at Kanha National Park, deepening his expertise in biodiversity conservation and human-wildlife interactions.
An accomplished educator and communicator, Mr. Srivastava has delivered over 30 lectures at prestigious institutions including Delhi University, BHU, Amity University, and IITTM. He is a published author and researcher, with co-authored books, scientific publications, and paper presentations at national seminars. His work consistently bridges conservation science, community engagement, and responsible tourism.
He holds a Master’s degree in Botany, has received professional training from the Wildlife Institute of India, and was nominated among the top five naturalists in India for the TOFT Best Naturalist Award.
