Sundarbans: The Largest Mangrove Forest and Its Natural Wonders

The Sundarbans, a remarkable natural wonder, is the world's largest mangrove forest, covering an expansive area that spans the basin of the Padma, Meghna, and Brahmaputra rivers. Spanning over 9,458 square kilometers and spanning two countries, Bangladesh and India, it is a unique ecosystem that supports a diverse array of flora and fauna. Let's delve into seven fascinating facts about the Sundarbans.

The Largest Mangrove Forest in the World

Sundarbans is renowned for being the world's largest mangrove forest. A mangrove forest, derived from the Portuguese word mangue, referring to a tree, and the English word grove, denoting a collection of trees, is a coastal forest found in areas temporarily submerged in salt water. This forest is home to over 5000 species of plants, including 290 species of birds, 120 species of fish, 42 species of mammals, 35 species of reptiles, and 8 species of amphibians. Among these, the Royal Bengal Tiger, Crocodile, and Python snake stand out. However, over the past 200 years, the forest’s volume has decreased by about one-third due to various factors such as human intervention and natural causes.

A Collection of 102 Islands

Sundarbans comprises 102 islands, of which 54 have human traffic while the remaining 48 are entirely covered by dense forest. India owns 40% of the total Sundarbans area, the rest being distributed across Bangladesh's Khulna, Bagerhat, and Satkhira districts. The natural wonders within these islands make it a unique habitat for various species, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, which is protected in this region.

Unique Tides and Water Levels

The Sundarbans experience two tides every day, with high tides reaching heights of 6-10 feet. This unique phenomenon allows visitors to embark on boat tours through the forest during high tides. These tides also play a crucial role in wildlife conservation efforts, as animal counts are conducted using boat routes within the forest.

Discovery of Ancient Human Settlements

Remarkable findings of ancient human settlements dating back to over a millennium have been discovered in the Sundarbans. Research conducted by Isme Azam revealed structures and materials dating from 1000 to 1200 years old. These discoveries have sparked interest in studying the historical and cultural significance of the Sundarbans, particularly the areas of Khejurdana, Arpangasiya, and Shekerte. In addition, surveys by the Department of Archaeology and the Forest Department have also uncovered ancient structures, highlighting the historical importance of this region.

Home to the Royal Bengal Tiger

Sundarbans is renowned for its Royal Bengal Tigers, making it a protected area for these magnificent animals. Despite efforts to protect them, tiger poaching continues to be a significant threat. According to a 2004 survey, there were approximately 440 tigers in the Sundarbans, but by 2018, the population had dwindled to only 114. Efforts to count the tigers continue, and the results of the World Tiger Census will be announced on July 29, 2023. Whether the tiger population has increased or decreased remains to be seen.

Population and Infrastructure

The most populated island in Sundarbans is Gosaba, located in India. Covering about 40% of the total forest area, Gosaba has developed its own infrastructure, including a hospital, a government school, an office, and a panchayat, to support its over 5,000 residents. Despite its development, the island still retains its natural beauty and the presence of dense forests at the end.

Sundarbans: Named After Beautiful Trees!

A popular belief is that the name Sundarbans comes from the stunning Sundari tree, which is indeed a common sight in the forest. However, some researchers believe that the name is derived from the ancient tribe Samudra Ban or Chandra-Bandhe. Whatever the origin, it is estimated that about 70% of the forest consists of these beautiful trees, contributing to its breathtaking natural beauty.