Sundarbans

The Sundarbans is a vast mangrove forest located in the delta region of the Padma, Meghna and Brahmaputra river systems, covering parts of southern Bangladesh and the eastern Indian state of West Bengal.^[1]

It is one of the largest and most unique coastal ecosystems in the world, famous for its biodiversity, especially the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) and its expansive, interconnected network of tidal waterways, mudflats, and islands. The name Sundarbans comes from the Bengali word "Sundari," referring to a type of mangrove tree found in the region.^[2]

Geography

The Sundarbans spans an area of approximately 10,000 square kilometers, of which around 60% is in Bangladesh and the rest is in India. The region is characterized by a network of rivers, tidal waterways, mudflats, and islands that are constantly reshaped by the influence of the Bay of Bengal. The region's landscape includes dense mangrove forests and is subject to seasonal flooding, making it both a dynamic and fragile ecosystem.^[3]

The forests of the Sundarbans are primarily composed of mangrove trees, which are well adapted to the brackish waters of the region. These trees have specialized roots that allow them to thrive in saline conditions and protect the coast from erosion and storm surges, which is especially important during tropical cyclones.^[4]

References

[1] ttps://www.britannica.com/place/Sundarbans

[2] ttps://whc.unesco.org/en/list/798/

[3] ttps://gokulamseekias.com/prelims-c-a/environment/sundarbans-as-global-commons/

[4] ttps://www.dhakatribune.com/opinion/op-ed/232622/op-ed-the-sundarbans-not-a-tragedy-of-the

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