The Sundarbans Mangrove in Bangladesh is the world’s largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to the Bengal tiger and rich biodiversity, it's a must-visit for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
The Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world, is a unique ecological region straddling the border between Bangladesh and India.
Covering approximately 10,000 square kilometres (3,861 square miles), with 60% of the forest located in Bangladesh and the rest in India, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Sundarbans is home to the iconic Royal Bengal Tiger and numerous other endangered species. Its incredible biodiversity, critical ecological functions, and significance to the culture make it a very important area, as well as an incredible spot to visit in Bangladesh.
If you’re lucky on a trip to Bangladesh, you might just spot one.
Sundarbans Geography
Sundarbans Weather
Sundarbans Flora and Fauna
History of Sundarbans Mangrove
Sundarbans Conservation
The Sundarbans is situated in the delta formed by the confluence of three major rivers: the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna.
It is bordered by the Bay of Bengal to the south. The forest consists of a complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats, and islands covered by salt-tolerant mangrove trees.
From above, it makes it look like an incredible network of veins flowing through the land.
The Sundarbans is characterised by a unique mangrove ecosystem, which is extremely important to the surrounding area.
This mangrove ecosystem provides the following:
The Sundarbans experience a tropical climate.
Monsoons (June to September)
Heavy rainfall and frequent flooding.
Winters (November to February)
Mild and dry weather.
Summers (March to May)
Hot and humid conditions.
The Sundarbans is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to several endangered and globally important species.
The Sundarbans mangrove forest has many plant species, but the Sundari tree is the most important—it’s the tree that gives the forest its name.
The Sundarbans has been inhabited for thousands of years, with archaeological evidence suggesting human activity as far back as the Maurya (322-185 BCE) and Gupta (320-550 CE) periods.
The forest has historically been a source of livelihood, providing timber, honey, and fish to local communities.
During British rule (1757-1947), the Sundarbans was commercially exploited for timber and other resources.
This period also saw the establishment of forest management systems that laid the groundwork for modern conservation efforts.
The Sundarbans supports millions of people, directly and indirectly, through fishing, honey collection, agriculture, and tourism.
It’s a truly incredible spot to visit - we explore more on tourism in the Sundarbans below.
The Sundarbans faces a critical juncture.
While its ecological and economic importance is undeniable, the pressures of climate change and human activity mean urgent action is required.
It is hoped that both Bangladesh and India strengthen their conservation efforts and promote sustainable livelihoods in order to preserve this unique land.
In Bangladesh, key protected areas include Sundarbans East, West, and South Wildlife Sanctuaries.
It also includes the Sundarbans Reserved Forest. This is managed under strict regulations.
The Sundarbans are under constant threat. Rising sea levels and increased salinity threaten the plants, and overexploitation of resources and industrial activities pose significant risks to the ecology.
Human-wildlife conflict is also an issue, with tigers and crocodiles occasionally coming into conflict with local communities.
Natural disasters pose a significant challenge to the area, as regular cyclonic storms cause extensive damage to both human settlements and wildlife habitats.
Conservation efforts are overseen by the Bangladesh Forest Department and international collaboration with UNESCO, IUCN, and NGOs.
The Sundarbans is a major tourist destination, known for its stunning natural beauty and wildlife.
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