Daily News Analysis

Sundarbans Tiger Reserve

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  • The Sundarbans Tiger Reserve became India’s second-biggest tiger reserve after the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) approved West Bengal’s proposal to expand its area.

About Sundarbans Tiger Reserve

Location

  • Situated in the coastal districts of West Bengal.

  • Lies at the southernmost part of the lower Gangetic delta, bordering the Bay of Bengal.

  • Part of the Sundarbans, the world’s largest delta, formed by the confluence of the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers flowing into the Bay of Bengal.

Status and Significance

  • Designated as a National Park and a Biosphere Reserve.

  • Unique as the only mangrove forest (besides Bangladesh’s portion) to sustain a significant population of tigers.

Borders of Sundarbans Tiger Reserve

  • East: International boundary with Bangladesh, formed by rivers Harinbhanga, Raimangal, and Kalindi.

  • South: Bay of Bengal.

  • West: River Matla, adjoining the South 24-Parganas Forest Division.

  • North-West: Rivers Bidya and Gomdi.

Flora

  • Comprises true mangroves (major elements), minor mangroves, and mangrove associates.

  • Includes a variety of shrubs, non-halophytic (non-salt tolerant) plants, halophytic (salt-tolerant) herbs, shrubs, weeds, epiphytes, and parasitic plants adapted to the saline environment.

Fauna

  • Home to iconic species such as:

    • Tiger (unique mangrove-adapted population)

    • Fishing cat

    • Estuarine crocodile

    • Gangetic dolphin

    • Irrawaddy dolphin

    • King cobra

    • Water monitor lizard

  • Also supports a wide range of other species adapted to the mangrove ecosystem.

 

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