Inhabitants of Sundarban- Flora and Fauna to Watch Out

Inhabitants of Sundarban- Flora and Fauna to Watch Out

The name Sundarban creates a magical spell. Known to be a popular UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best tiger reserves in India under the Tiger Project, this place is a perfect getaway for all nature lovers who love catching a glimpse of the magnificent creatures inhabiting the place. With the confluence of the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, Sundarban forms the world’s largest delta. If you like to soak in greenery, then the mangrove forests of Sundarban will make you awe-struck with their beauty. Sign up for a Sundarban tour, and you will be thrilled to see the beautiful flora and fauna that the place inhabits. 

Here are some of the most popular flora and fauna that you can watch out for in Sundarban. 

Inhabitants of Sundarban- Deer

​Majestic Fauna of Sundarban

The fauna of Sundarban National Park is diverse. With over 1586 species of reptiles, mammals, and birds, this place inhabits some of the most extraordinary creatures for visitors to look out for. The Royal Bengal Tigers are the greatest attraction of Sundarban. To watch these magnificent mammals, a handful of tourists crowd Sundarban every year. A safari to do tiger-watching in the Sundarban is definitely a memorable experience that one should indulge in. Furthermore, the beautiful green forests are home to a variety of species, including water buffalos, leopards, and chital. You will also get to see different types of birds, both resident and migratory. 

Inhabitants of Sundarban- Kingfisher. Image Credits - Pixabay

​Reptiles
If you want to explore the wilderness of Sundarban, here are the well-known reptiles you can watch out for. 

King Cobra
Known to be one of the most aggressive reptiles, King Cobra is a venomous, gigantic snake, popular in Asia. The reptile gets its name “king cobra” as it can kill and eat other cobras. A full-grown king cobra has black, brown, green or yellow skin and the little ones are jet-black with yellow and white crossbars on the body and tail. The average size of a king cobra is 10-12 feet, however, they can extend up to 18 feet. 

Saltwater Crocodile
Another famous reptile species in Sundarban is the saltwater crocodile. It is one of the world’s largest and heaviest reptiles, and males can grow up to 20 feet and weigh more than 1000 kg. These crocodiles can be spotted in the mangrove forests and river deltas of the Sundarban. 

Mammals
The well-known mammals present in Sundarban are:

Royal Bengal Tigers
Royal Bengal Tigers are the most potent wild cats found in large numbers in the Sundarban National Park. Recognised as India’s pride, we know the tiger is the national animal of India, and the Royal Bengal Tigers are the most striking attraction among wildlife enthusiasts. The beautiful Royal Bengal Tigers are also the apex predators inhabiting these mangrove forests, being a key in balancing the food chain. 

Chital
Spotted deer or chital is native to the Indian subcontinent. Chital loves woods, forests, grasslands, and clearings near rivers, and usually wanders in groups of 10 to 20. They can be 90 cm tall and weigh around 85 kg. While their top body is crimson in colour, their undersides are white.  

Birds
The well-known birds in the region are:

Oriental Honey Buzzard
Also known as crested honey buzzard, this is a type of bird that resides in the forests but comes out only during spring because of the mating season. These are migratory birds that fly from the breeding regions in Japan to winter regions in Southeast Asia and across the East China Sea. These birds are characterised by long wings and dark-striped throats. 

Sandpipers
Sandpipers belong to the Scolopacidae family, which includes woodcocks and snipes. They are a wide range of tiny and mid-sized birds measuring 15 to 30 cm in length. Sandpipers are commonly found on the grassy edges of lakes and rivers, and during migration, they can be spotted on coastal beaches and interior mud flats. Their unique characteristics include contrasting neck patches, white rump bans, and speckled breasts. 

The Enchanting Flora of Sundarban

The deep, dense forests of Sundarban National Park are dominated by more than 300 species of flora, which attract botanists and plant lovers from all over the world. What makes the plants of these woodlands unique is that, owing to the region's brackish and saline waters, they have learned to evolve and thrive. Some of the frequent species you can witness here are the sundari tree, Dhundul, Gewa, Hatal, and Champa. You will also get to see the famous mangrove forests in Sundarban. 

Inhabitants of Sundarban- Sundari Tree. Image Credits - Pixabay

​Sundari Tree
The predominant flora species in Sundarban are Sundari trees, hence the name “Sundarban”. Almost 70% of Sundarban is covered with Sundari trees. These trees are well-suited to low saline, high tidal and freshwater ecosystems. Sundari trees also have H. littoralis species found in the western regions of the forest. Reaching up to a height of about 25 meters, these trees have pneumatophores-covered roots, straight trunks and elliptic leaves. Additionally, the flowers on these trees range from orange to pink.

Keora
Also known as Mangrove Apple, Keora is a mid-sized evergreen tree which features aerial roots and branches. With black and salt-tolerant bark, keora trees are the fastest-growing plant species found in these tidal forests. The flowers of the trees are greenish-white in colour, and they bloom 3-5 in number.

Gewa
Also known as blinding trees, Gewa are small, deciduous, evergreen, and unisexual trees dominant in the Sundarban National Park. They are called blinding trees because the milky sap they produce can cause temporary blindness. Gewa produces poisonous white latex from cracked surfaces and grows up to 29 meters. The young leaves of Gewa are pink, and the old ones are scarlet. They do not shed leaves at any time of the year.

​Conclusion
With a diverse range of fauna and flora present in the Sundarban, it creates a notable place for a short vacation for all wildlife and plant enthusiasts. From spotting the beautiful Royal Bengal Tigers, colourful birds and deadly reptiles to exploring the green mangroves, you can have a wonderful experience amidst the woodland. Plan a short trip from Kolkata to Sundarban and witness the miracle of nature up close.

P.S. This post is submitted by Biswanath Naskar, a Sundarbans native and the founder of a travel agency, passionately showcasing the ecological marvels of his homeland.