Sundarbans Wildlife
সুন্দরবনের বন্যপ্রাণী
The Sundarbans Reserved Forest is an internationally recognized hotspot for its rich biodiversity and magnetic beauty. Made up of a complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats, and mangrove forests, many species thrive in the Sundarbans, including numerous threatened and endangered species that are extinct outside the Reserve. According to recent numbers, the Sundarbans Reserved Forest hosts 334 plant species, 49 mammal species, around 300 bird species, 59 reptile species, 210 fish species, and eight amphibian species, providing a rich experience for visitors to spot a diverse array of wildlife. This represents a significant proportion of the total species throughout the entirety of Bangladesh (i.e., approximately 30% of reptiles, 37% of bird species, and 34% of all mammals). Although various threats like poaching, habitat loss, and climate change have led to wildlife disturbances and species decline, the Sundarbans retains suitable wildlife habitat for the ongoing conservation of many key species.
Visitors flock to the Sundarbans for a chance to spot some of the rare wildlife that call the Reserve home. This includes several endangered species, such as the Royal Bengal Tiger, Ganges and Irawadi dolphins, estuarine crocodiles, and river terrapin (Batagur baska). Rock pythons, spotted dear, Rhesus macaque, and Indian smooth otters are also sought after, in addition to several rare bird species like kingfishers, white-rumped vultures, and Steppe eagles.
Learn more about some of the wildlife that calls the Sundarbans home.
