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By David H. Urmann

Sunderbans is one of the most alluring natural reserves in the entire world.It carries in its folds various mysteries and abounds in vegetative and wildlife.It was formerly known as the Sunderbands by the British.

The region is a vast tract of forest and swamp water and stretches from the lower part of the Ganges Estuary to the Meghna River Estuary in Bangladesh.It extends to an area of about 160 kilometers along the Bay of Bengal.Sunderbans are also part of the largest riverine delta formed by three gigantic rivers namely, the Ganga, Brahmaputra and the Meghna respectively.It extends up to nearly 100 kilometers inland.It is very close to Kolkata and has one of the most unique ecosystems in the whole world.

There are two myths related to the nomenclature of the place.According to one, the place draws its name from the Sundari Trees which are in abundance in the forests while others believe that drawing up on the beauty of the jungles, it is called Sunderbans wherein Sunder means Beautiful and Ban means jungle in Bangla.

It is situated at the mouth of the River Gange and is spread on 54 islands and across two countries.It forms the world’s largest delta regions.The wetlands of Sunderbans cover an area of 4262 square kilometers in India.It is home to the world renowned the Royal Bengal Tiger and was adopted for the Project Tiger in 1974.This forest spreads over an area of 2585 square kilometers.The core area of 1330 square kilometers is a National Park and also the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There is a high level of salinity in the region of Sunderbans.The typical forest comprises of such trees which have adapted to the peculiar estuarine condition of high salinity, soil erosion and the daily barrage of the tidal waves.The tidal forms and the vegetation in the mangroves are responsible for the dynamic eco-system and the nutrient cycling of both the terrestrial as well as aquatic forms.

Both the flora and fauna in the Sunderbans have changed themselves according to the changing conditions of the forests.They have acclimatized accordingly.The habitat is suitable for animals which have adjusted to the tidal swamp area.This has contributed in developing certain unique traits in the animals.One of the best examples of this is the man-eating habit of the Royal Bengal Tiger in the Sunderbans.

This is prevalent here only and around 100-200 people lose their lives each year, falling prey to this wild beast.More commonly, the tigers do not turn man-eaters very frequently but in this jungle, they are born man-eaters.It is said that this is a hereditary trait in these animals.

Apart from this there are several species of animals which inhabit this jungle.Most prominently, Sunderbans is home to Cheetal, Wild Boar, and Monkeys.It is also full of alligators, crabs and fish.The Sunderbans is also the nesting place of the nearly extinct Olive Ridley Turtles, Green Turtles and the Hawk’s Bill Turtles.

The jungles are also a haven for the migratory birds which add to the mystical value of the place.

The forests and waters of the Sunderbans have been home to some ethnic tribes which have survived in the most turbulent times too.They depend on the forest for food, fuel and livelihood.These tribal groups collect honey or the locally available forest produce and try to eke out a living.Some of the tribal groups are dependent on the fishing in the area and try to earn a living out of it.

One of the most unique facts about this region is that it can be accessed only through the waterways.There are several entry points to the National Park but the one most popular one is Port Canning which is connected by the suburban railway from Kolkata.The park can also be entered from Sonakhali or Bagna via Dhamakali.If one is interested in visiting the park from the South 24 Parganas Forest Division, then one needs to get permission which are available at Canning, Sonakhali, Bagna for the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve and Canning, Namkhana and Raidighi for the Western Part of the Sunderbans Forest.

Thus, one can really enjoy the Sunderbans by entering in to its mystical folds, which has so many mysteries of nature hidden in its dense foliage and the dense mangroves.It is a place which weaves its magic up on you slowly but steadily.

About the Author: For more information on

Sundarbans National Park

and

Royal Bengal Tiger

please visit our website.

Source:

isnare.com

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