Sundarbans Tiger Reserve

• 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.