Difference between revisions of "Sundarbans National Park" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{Infobox_protected_area | name = Sundarbans National Park
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{{Location map|India
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|label= Sundarbans NP
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|position=left
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|background=
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|lat=21.95
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|long=88.88
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|float=left
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|width=300
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}}
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| iucn_category = Ia 
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| location = [[West Bengal]], [[India]]
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| nearest_city = [[Gosaba]]
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| area = 1330.12 km²
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| established = 1984
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| visitation_num =  NA
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| visitation_year = 2005
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| governing_body = [[Government of India]], [[Government of West Bengal]]
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}}
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The '''Sundarbans National Park''' ([[Bengali language|Bengali]]: সুন্দরবন জাতীয় উদ্দ্যান) refers to a [[National Park]], [[Tiger Reserve]], [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]], and a [[Biosphere Reserve]] located in the [[Sundarbans]] [[River delta|delta]] in [[India]]n state of [[West Bengal]]. Mangrove forests densely covered the region, serving as one of the largest reserves of the [[Bengal tiger]]. The park also serves as home to a variety of [[bird]], [[reptile]], and [[invertebrate]] species, including the salt-water [[crocodile]]. Sundarbans National Park received its name from the local mangrove sundari trees found in abundance throughout the park.
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{{toc}}
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The Sundarbans had been declared the core area of Sundarbans Tiger Reserve in 1973 and a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1977. On 4 May 1984, the Indian government declared the area a National Park. [[UNESCO]] designated Sundarbans National Park a [[World Heritage Site]]<ref>[http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/452 Sundarbans National Park], UNESCO, 2008. Retrieved February 5, 2008.</ref> in 1987. The whole Sundarbans area had been declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1989.
 
{{Infobox World Heritage Site
 
{{Infobox World Heritage Site
 
| WHS        = Sundarbans National Park
 
| WHS        = Sundarbans National Park
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| Link        = http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/452
 
| Link        = http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/452
 
}}
 
}}
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==Geography and Climate==
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Sundarbans National Park lay in between 30° 24' - 30° 28' N longitude and between 77° 40' - 77° 44' E latitude in the South 24 Parganas district in the Indian state of West Bengal. On average, the park stands 7.5 m above sea level; 54 small islands reside within the park and several tributaries of Ganga River and Brahmaputra River crisscross it.
  
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<!--{{Infobox_protected_area | name = Sundarbans National Park—>
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Sundarbans National Park hosts the largest estuarine mangrove forest in the world; 26 of the 50 broad mangrove types found in the world abound in the Sundarbans. The commonly identifiable vegetation that grow in the dense mangrove forests at the Sundarbans include salt water mixed forest, mangrove scrub, brackish water mixed forest, littoral forest, wet forest and wet alluvial grass forests.
  
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<!--{{Location map|India
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The average maximum and minimum temperature measure 34 °C and 20 °C respectively. Rain falls heavily with  humidity reaching as high as 80 percent close to the [[Bay of Bengal]]. The monsoon lasts from mid-June to mid-September. Prevailing winds blow from the north and north-east October to mid-March and south-west westerlies prevail from mid-March to September. Storms, which sometimes develop into cyclones, occur commonly during the months of May and October.   
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|label= Sundarbans NP
 
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|position=left
 
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|background=
 
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|lat=21.95
 
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|long=88.88
 
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|float=left
 
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|width=300
 
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}}—>
 
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  <!--see WCMC reference—>
 
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<!--
 
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  | iucn_category = Ia 
 
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  | location = [[West Bengal]], [[India]]
 
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  | nearest_city = [[Gosaba]]
 
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  | lat_degrees = 21
 
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  | lat_minutes = 56
 
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  | lat_seconds = 42
 
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  | lat_direction = N
 
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  | long_degrees = 88
 
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  | long_minutes = 53
 
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  | long_seconds = 45
 
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  | long_direction = E
 
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  | area = 1330.12 km²
 
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  | established = 1984
 
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  | visitation_num =  NA
 
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  | visitation_year = 2005
 
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  | governing_body = [[Government of India]], [[Government of West Bengal]]
 
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}}
 
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—>
 
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The '''Sundarbans National Park''' ([[Bengali language|Bengali]]: সুন্দরবন জাতীয় উদ্দ্যান) refers to a [[National Park]], [[Tiger Reserve]], [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]] and a [[Biosphere Reserve]] located in the [[Sundarbans]] [[River delta|delta]] in [[India]]n state of [[West Bengal]]. Mangrove forests densely covered the region, serving as one of the largest reserves of the [[Bengal tiger]]. The park allso serves as home to a variety of [[bird]], [[reptile]] and [[invertebrate]] species, including the salt-water [[crocodile]]. Sundarbans National Park received its name from the local mangrove sundari trees found in abundance throughout the park.
 
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The Sundarbans had been declared the core area of Sundarbans Tiger Reserve in 1973 and a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1977. On 4 May 1984, the Indian government declared the area a National Park. [[UNESCO]] designated Sundarbans National Park a [[World Heritage Sit]] [http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/452] in 1987. The whole Sundarbans area had been declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1989.
 
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==Geography==
 
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Sundarbans National Park lay in between 30° 24' - 30° 28' N longitude and between 77° 40' - 77° 44' E latitude in the South 24 Parganas district in the Indian state of West Bengal. On average, the park stands 7.5 m above sea level; fifty-four small islands reside within the park and several tributaries of Ganga River and Brahmaputra River crisscross it.
 
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{{Wildlife WB}}
 
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Sundarbans National Park hosts the largest estuarine mangrove forest in the world; twenty-six of the fifty broad mangrove types found in the world abound in the Sundarbans. The commonly identifiable vegetation that grow in the dense mangrove forests at the Sundarbans include salt water mixed forest, mangrove scrub, brackish water mixed forest, littoral forest, wet forest and wet alluvial grass forests.
 
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==Climate==
 
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The average maximum and minimum temperature measure 34 °C and 20 °C respectively. Rain falls heavily with  humidity reaching as high as 80% close to the [[Bay of Bengal]]. The monsoon lasts from mid-June to mid-September. Prevailing winds blow from the north and north-east October to mid-March and south-west westerlies prevail from mid-March to September. Storms, which sometimes develop into cyclones, occur commonly during the months of May and October.   
 
  
 
==Flora and fauna==
 
==Flora and fauna==
  
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There are 64 plant species in Sundarbans and they have the capacity to withstand estuarine conditions and saline inundation on account of tidal effects. In the month of April and May the flaming red leaves of the Genwa the crab-like red flowers of the Kankara and the yellow flowers of Khalsi can be seen, which add a beauty to the surroundings. Some of the more commonly found plants and trees in the park are Genwa, Dhundal, Passur, Garjan, Kankra, Sundari and Goran.
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Sixty four plant species grow in Sundarbans; they have the ability to withstand estuarine conditions and saline inundation arising from tidal effects. In the month of April and May, the flaming red leaves of the Genwa, the crab-like red flowers of the Kankara, and the yellow flowers of Khalsi appear, adding to the beauty to the park. Some of the more commonly found plants and trees in the park include Genwa, Dhundal, Passur, Garjan, Kankra, Sundari, and Goran.
  
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The Sundarbans forest is home to more than 200 tigers. The Royal Bengal Tigers have developed a unique characteristic of swimming in the saline waters, and are world famous for their man-eating tendencies.
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The Sundarbans forest serves as home to more than 200 tigers. The Royal Bengal Tigers have developed a unique characteristic of swimming in the saline waters. They have become world famous as man-eaters. In addition to the [[Bengal Tiger|Royal Bengal Tiger]], [[Fishing Cats]], [[Macaques, Wild Boar]], [[Common Grey Mongoose]], [[Fox]], [[Jungle Cat]], [[Flying Fox]], [[Pangolin]], [[Chital]], live in abundance in the Sundarbans.
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[[Image:Great Egret.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Great Egret, Sundarbans]]
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Some of the more popular birds found in that region include: [[Open Billed Storks]], [[White Ibis]], [[Water Hens]], [[Coots]], [[Pheasant Tailed Jacanas]], [[Pariah Kites]], [[Brahminy Kites]], [[Marsh Harriers]], [[Swamp Partridges]], [[Red Jungle Fowls]], [[Spotted Doves]], [[Common Mynahs]], [[Jungle Crows]], [[Jungle Babblers]], [[Cotton Teals]], [[Herring Gulls]], [[Caspian Terns]], [[Gray Herons]], [[Brahminy Ducks]], [[Spotted Billed Pelicans]], [[Large Egrets]], [[Night Herons]], [[Common Snipes]], [[Wood Sandpipers]], [[Green Pigeons]], [[Rose Ringed Parakeets]], [[Paradise Flycatchers]], [[Cormorants]], [[Fishing Eagles]], [[White Bellied Sea Eagles]], [[Seagulls]], [[Common Kingfishers]], [[Peregrine falcons]], [[Woodpeckers]], [[Whimprels]], [[Black-Tailed Godwits]], [[Little Stints]], [[Eastern Knots]], [[Curlews]], [[Golden Plovers]], [[Pintails]], [[White Eyed Pochards]], and [[Whistling Teals]].  
  
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Apart from the [[Bengal Tiger|Royal Bengal Tiger]]; [[Fishing Cats]], [[Macaques, Wild Boar]], [[Common Grey Mongoose]], [[Fox]], [[Jungle Cat]], [[Flying Fox]], [[Pangolin]], [[Chital]], are also found in abundance in the Sundarbans.  
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Some of the [[fish]] and [[amphibians]] found in the park's waters include [[Sawfish]], [[Butter Fish]], [[Electric Rays]], [[Silver carp]], [[Starfish|Star Fish]], [[Common Carp]], [[King crab|King Crabs]], [[Prawn]], [[Shrimps]], [[Ganges and Indus River Dolphin|Gangetic Dolphins]], [[Skipping Frogs]], [[Common Toad|Common Toads]], and [[Tree Frogs]].
  
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Some of the more popular birds found in this region are - [[Open Billed Storks]], [[White Ibis]], [[Water Hens]], [[Coots]], [[Pheasant Tailed Jacanas]], [[Pariah Kites]], [[Brahminy Kites]], [[Marsh Harriers]], [[Swamp Partridges]], [[Red Jungle Fowls]], [[Spotted Doves]], [[Common Mynahs]], [[Jungle Crows]], [[Jungle Babblers]], [[Cotton Teals]], [[Herring Gulls]], [[Caspian Terns]], [[Gray Herons]], [[Brahminy Ducks]], [[Spotted Billed Pelicans]], [[Large Egrets]], [[Night Herons]], [[Common Snipes]], [[Wood Sandpipers]], [[Green Pigeons]], [[Rose Ringed Parakeets]], [[Paradise Flycatchers]], [[Cormorants]], [[Fishing Eagles]], [[White Bellied Sea Eagles]], [[Seagulls]], [[Common Kingfishers]], [[Peregrine falcons]], [[Woodpeckers]], [[Whimprels]], [[Black-Tailed Godwits]], [[Little Stints]], [[Eastern Knots]], [[Curlews]], [[Golden Plovers]], [[Pintails]], [[White Eyed Pochards]] and [[Whistling Teals]].  
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The Sundarbans National Park hosts an abundance reptiles as well, including [[Olive Ridley Turtles]], [[Sea Snakes]], [[Dog Faced Water Snakes]], [[Green Turtles]], [[Estuarine Crocodiles]], [[Chameleons]], [[King Cobras]], [[Salvator Lizards]], [[Hard Shelled Batgun Terrapins]], [[Russels Vipers]], [[Mouse Ghekos]], [[Monitor Lizards]], [[Curviers]], [[Hawks Bill Turtles]], [[Pythonidae|Pythons]], [[Common Kraits]], [[Chequered Killbacks]], and [[rat Snakes]].
  
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Some of the [[fish]] and [[amphibians]] found in the park are [[Sawfish]], [[Butter Fish]], [[Electric Rays]], [[Silver carp]], [[Starfish|Star Fish]], [[Common Carp]], [[King crab|King Crabs]], [[Prawn]], [[Shrimps]], [[Ganges and Indus River Dolphin|Gangetic Dolphins]], [[Skipping Frogs]], [[Common Toad|Common Toads]] and [[Tree Frogs]].
+
Royal Bengal Tiger, [[Estuarian Crocodile]], [[River Terrapin]] (Batagur baska), [[Olive Ridley Turtle]], [[Gangetic Dolphin]], [[Ground Turtle]], [[Hawks Bill Turtle]] and King Crabs (Horse shoe) number among the endangered species living within the Sundarbans.
  
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The Sundarbans National Park houses an excellent number of reptiles as well. Some of the common ones are - [[Olive Ridley Turtles]], [[Sea Snakes]], [[Dog Faced Water Snakes]], [[Green Turtles]], [[Estuarine Crocodiles]], [[Chameleons]], [[King Cobras]], [[Salvator Lizards]], [[Hard Shelled Batgun Terrapins]], [[Russels Vipers]], [[Mouse Ghekos]], [[Monitor Lizards]], [[Curviers]], [[Hawks Bill Turtles]], [[Pythonidae|Pythons]], [[Common Kraits]], [[Chequered Killbacks]] and [[rat Snakes]].
+
==Management and special projects==
 +
[[Image:Mudflat and clouds in Sundarbans.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Sundarbans, Bangladesh.]]
  
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The endangered species that lives within the Sundarbans are Royal Bengal Tiger, [[Estuarian Crocodile]], [[River Terrapin]] (Batagur baska), [[Olive Ridley Turtle]], [[Gangetic Dolphin]], [[Ground Turtle]], [[Hawks Bill Turtle]] and King Crabs (Horse shoe).
+
The park has received government protection since its inception. The core area prohibits by strictly enforced laws all human activity including collection of wood, honey, fishing and other forest produces. In buffer area, the government permits fishing, honey collection and wood cutting within limits. Well-armed agents patrol the park in motorboats and launches, protecting the park from poaching and theft of forest products. The government maintains park offices and camps at several important points in the park. Two or three experienced deputies man anti-poaching camps under the supervision of Park Rangers.
  
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==Management and special projects==
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The government maintains the wildlife habitat through [[eco-conservation]], eco-development, training, education and research. Ten Forest Protection Committees and fourteen Eco-development Committees have been formed in the fringe of [[Sundarbans Tiger Reserve]] to promote the protection of the environment. Park officials conduct seminars, workshops, awareness camps, frequently in and around the park to educate people on environmental issues such as eco-conservation, [[eco-development]]. The government plants and maintains mangrove forest and other trees in the fringe area to meet the need for fuel wood for about 1,000 villages local to the park, and to conserve the buffer area. Conservation of soil projects maintain the ecological balance of the park. Several sweet water ponds have been dug inside the park to provide drinking water to the wild animals. 
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The park has got protection since its creation. The core area is free from all human disturbances like collection of wood, honey, fishing and other forest produces. However in buffer area fishing, honey collection and wood cutting are permitted in limited form. Protection of the park from poaching and theft of forest products is done by well armed forest staffs who patrols in motorboats and launches. Moreover forest offices and camps are located at several important parts of the park. Anti-poaching camps are manned by 2 to 3 knowledgeable labourers under supervision of concerned beat guard/Forester/Range officer.
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[[Image:Sundarbans 02.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Sundari trees in Sundarbans, Bengal]]
 +
Controlling man-eating tigers constitutes another major activity for park officials. The number of deaths has been reduced from 40 to 10 per year, the result of strict control over the movement of the people inside the tiger reserve, alternative income generation and safety awareness training among people. The use of human masks and electric human dummies has aided in thwarting the tiger's tendancy to attack and kill people. Nylon net fencing and solar illumination of villages, along with other measures, has helped prevent the straying of tigers into nearby villages. The village youth have been receiving training on controlling the straying of tigers into the villages.
  
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Habitat of wildlife is well maintained through eco-conservation, eco-development, training, education and research. 10 Forest Protection Committees and 14 Eco-development Committees have been formed in the fringe of Sundarbans Tiger Reserve helps in this regard. Seminars, workshops, awareness camps, etc. are organised frequently in the vicinity of park to educate the people on eco-conservation, eco-development and such other issues. Mangrove and other plants are planted in the fringe area to meet the local need of fuel wood for about 1000 villages and to conserve the buffer area. Conservation of soil is done to maintain the ecological balance. Several sweet water ponds have been dug up inside the park to provide drinking water to the wild animals.
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The [[Mangrove Interpretation Centre]] has been established at [[Sajnekhali]] to foster awareness among the local people and tourists about importance of conservation of nature in general and specially the mangrove eco-systems.
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Controlling man-eating tigers is another major activity. The number of causalities has been reduced from 40 to 10 per year. The reduction in number of causalities is a result of  strict control over the movement of the people inside the tiger reserve, alternative income generation and awareness building among people. It is also believed that due to use of human masks and electric human dummies. Straying of tigers into nearby villages is prevented through effective measures like nylon net fencing, solar illumination of villages, etc. The youths of the villages are given training in controlling the straying of tigers into the villages.
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Though tough laws protect the park, a few loopholes exist. The geographical topography with jungle wilderness terrain criss-crossed by several rivers and their tributaries, a long international border with [[Bangladesh]], fishing trawlers and launches makes complete control of poaching and cutting of the mangrove forests for fire wood, difficult. Lack of park staff, infrastructure and funds contribute to the gaps in protection of the park.
  
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The [[Mangrove Interpretation Centre]] is established at [[Sajnekhali]] to make the local people and tourists aware about importance of conservation of nature in general and specially the mangrove eco-systems.
 
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Though there is tough protection in the park there are a few loopholes. The geographical topography with hostile terrain criss-crossed by several rivers and their tributaries, long international border with [[Bangladesh]], fishing trawlers and launches helps in poaching, cutting of wood and also affecting the mangrove forests. Lack of staffs, infrastructure and lack of funds also added up the factors.   
 
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==Park-specific information==
 
==Park-specific information==
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[[Image:Sundarbans 09.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Tour Boat, Sundarbans, Bengal]]
  
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The best and only means of travelling the park is to hire a boat and float down the various lanes formed by the many flowing rivers. You can travel in any of the local boats or in luxury launches namely M.V. ''Chitrarekha'' and M.V. ''Madhukar'', which are operated by the tourism department.  
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Hiring a boat and floating down the various lanes formed by the many flowing rivers represents the only means of traveling the park. You can travel in any of the local boats or in luxury launches namely M.V. ''Chitrarekha'' and M.V. ''Madhukar'', operated by the tourism department.  
  
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Apart from viewing the wildlife from the boat safaris, you can also visit the following places in Sundarbans which are Bhagatpur Crocodile Project which is a crocodile breeding farm (access from Namkhana), Sagar Island, Jambudweep, Sudhanyakali watchtower, Buriidabri Tiger Project, Netidhopani Watchtower, Haliday Island (famous for Barking Deer), Kanak (nesting place of Olive Ridley Turtle), Sajankhali Bird Sanctuary (famous for avian fauna).
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In addition to viewing the wildlife from the boat safaris, you can also visit the following places in Sundarbans: [[Bhagatpur Crocodile Project]] (a crocodile breeding farm accessed from Namkhana), [[Sagar Island]], [[Jambudweep]], [[Sudhanyakali watchtower]], [[Buriidabri Tiger Project]], [[Netidhopani Watchtower]], [[Haliday Island]] (famous for [[Barking Deer]]), [[Kanak]] (nesting place of [[Olive Ridley Turtle]]), and [[Sajankhali Bird Sanctuary]] (famous for avian fauna).
  
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Forest lodge and forest rest-houses are available for accommodation at Sajnekhali, Bakkhali and Piyali. The cruise launches MV Chitralekha and MV Sarbajaya also have lodging facility.
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Forest lodges and forest rest-houses accommodations may be rented at Sajnekhali, Bakkhali, and Piyali. The cruise launches MV Chitralekha and MV Sarbajaya also have lodging facilities. Visitors can find lodging facilities at Sundarbans Jungle Camp on Bali Island, run by Help Tourism Group with collaboration with local communities and members of [[Bali Nature and Wildlife Conservation Society]].
  
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Lodging facilities are also available at Sundarbans Jungle Camp on Bali Island run by Help Tourism Group with collaboration with local communities and members of  Bali Nature and Wildlife Conservation Society.
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*Nearest airport: Dum Dum airport at [[Kolkata]], 112 km away.
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*Nearest railhead: [[Canning]], 48 km away from the Park.
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*Nearest Road: Road transportation, available from Kolkata for Namkhana (105 km), Sonakhali (100 km), Raidighi (76 km), Canning (64 km), and Najat (92 km), all near the Sunderbans and with access to the riverine waterways.
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*Nearest town: [[Gosaba]], 50 km away.
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*Nearest city: Kolkata, 112 km away.
  
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*Nearest airport: Dum Dum airport at [[Kolkata]] is 112 km away.
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November to February, when the tigers can be seen on the river banks having sunbath, constitutes the ideal time to visit the park.
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*Nearest railhead: [[Canning]] is 48 km away from the Park.
 
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*Nearest Road: Road transportation is available from Kolkata for Namkhana (105 km), Sonakhali (100 km), Raidighi (76 km), Canning (64 km), and Najat (92 km), which are all near the Sunderbans and have access to the riverine waterways.
 
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*Nearest town: [[Gosaba]] is 50 km away.
 
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*Nearest city: Kolkata which is 112 km away.
 
  
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The ideal time to visit the park is November to February when the tigers can be seen on the river banks having sunbath.
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Entry Permits: The foreign tourists wanting to visit the tiger projects and the Sajnekhali, have to obtain the special permits for entry into the Sundarbans National Park. They must contact the Secretary, West Bengal Forest Department, Writer's Building, Kolkata - 700001. To obtain the entry permit for other areas of the Sundarban, tourists must visit the Field Director, Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, PO Canning, District 24 Parganas, West Bengal. A boat cruise through Sunderbans outside the sanctuary requires no entry permit.
  
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Entry Permits : The foreign tourists who wants to visit the tiger projects and visit the Sajnekhali, have to obtain the special permits for entry into the Sundarbans National Park. The tourists should contact the Secretary, West Bengal Forest Department, Writer's Building, Kolkata - 700001. To obtain the entry permit for other areas of the Sundarban; the tourists must visit the Field Director, Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, PO Canning, District 24 Parganas, West Bengal. However a boat cruise through Sunderbans outside the sanctuary requires no entry permit.  
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==Gallery==
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<gallery>
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Image:Sundarbans Fisherman.jpg|Sundarbans fisherman
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Image:Sundarbans bird.jpg|Sundarbans bird
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Image:Brahminy Kites.jpg|Brahminy Kites, Sundarbans
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<!--Image:Great Egret.jpg|Great Egret, Sundarbans—>
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Image:Spotted Deer.jpg|Spotted Deer and House Crow
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<!--Image:Sundarbans 02.jpg|Sundari trees in Sundarbans, Bengal—>
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<!--Image:Sundarbans 09.jpg|View of Sundarbans, Bengal—>
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Image:Göttin Manasa in Lehm.jpg|Hindu-Goddess Manasa, a Naga (Snake Goddess), in a hut made of mud in a village in the Sundarbans, West Bengal, India
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Image:Ferry in Sundarbans.jpg|People aboard a small boat in the Sunderbans in Bangladesh.
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Image:Boat, trees and water in Sundarbans .jpg|Boat in the Sundarbans of Bangladesh
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Image:Fishing boats in Sundarbans.jpg|Boats in a dim light in the Sundarbans.
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<!--Image:Mudflat and clouds in Sundarbans.jpg|Expanse of mud, with seagrass, water on the horizon, and towering white clouds in a sunny sky above. Sundarbans, Bangladesh.—>
 +
 
 +
</gallery>
  
 
==See also==
 
==See also==
 
* [[Project Tiger]]
 
* [[Project Tiger]]
  
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==Notes==
 +
<References/>
 
==References==
 
==References==
 +
 +
* Alexander, Kanjirathara Chandy, R. R. Prasad, and M. P. Jahagirdar. ''Tribals, Rehabilitation & Development''. Jaipur, India: Rawat Publications, 1991. OCLC: 24770898
 +
* Khati, Anand S. ''National Parks of India''. Noida: Pelican Creations International, 1998. ISBN 9788186738009
 +
* Roy Chowdhury, Biswajit, Buroshiva Dasgupta, and Indira Bhattacharya. ''Natural Wonders of India & Nepal''. London: New Holland Publishers, 2002. ISBN 9781859745236
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* Seidensticker, John, and Md. Abdul Hai. ''The Sundarbans Wildlife Management Plan Conservation in the Bangladesh Coastal Zone''. Gland, Switzerland: International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, 1983. OCLC: 10584597
 +
* Townsend, Amy K. ''Protected Areas As Common Property and India's Sundarbans National Park''. S.l: s.n, 1992. OCLC: 32258902
  
 
==External Links==
 
==External Links==
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* [http://www.unep-wcmc.org/sites/wh/sundarba.html Fact sheet about the Sundarbans] from the [http://www.unep-wcmc.org World Conservation Monitoring Centre].
+
All links retrieved February 26, 2023.
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* [http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/452 Official UNESCO website entry]
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* [http://projecttiger.nic.in/sundarbans.htm Project Tiger Reserves in India – Sundarbans]
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* [http://www.india-wildlife-tour.com/wildlife-sancturies-india/sunderbans-national-park-tiger-reserve.html Indian Wildlife Tours Sundarbans National Park].
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* [http://www.indiantiger.org/tiger-reserves-in-india/sundarban-national-park-tiger-reserves-in-india.html IndianTiger.org Sundarbans National Park]
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* [http://www.ecoindia.com/parks/sundarbans-national-park.html EcoIndia.com Sundarbans National Park].
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* [http://www.india-wildlife-tour.com/wildlife-sancturies-india/sunderbans-national-park-tiger-reserve.html Indian Wildlife Tours Sundarbans National Park]
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* [http://www.webindia123.com/wildlife/parks/westbengal/sundarbans.htm Web123India: Sundarbans].
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* [http://www.ecoindia.com/sundarbans-national-park.html EcoIndia.com Sundarbans National Park]
 
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* [http://www.webindia123.com/wildlife/parks/westbengal/sundarbans.htm Web123India: Sundarbans]
 
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* {{wikitravel}}
 
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* [http://www.saharaindiapariwar.org/business/mfc.asp Sahara Sundarbans – The Ultimate Destination]
 
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* [http://www.kolkatabirds.com Kolkata Birds]
 
  
 
{{World Heritage Sites in India}}
 
{{World Heritage Sites in India}}
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{{National Parks of India}}
  
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{{National Parks of India}}
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[[Category:Geography]]
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[[Category:National Parks]]
  
 
{{credits|166820326}}
 
{{credits|166820326}}

Latest revision as of 23:31, 26 February 2023


Sundarbans National Park
Sundarbans NP (India)
Sundarbans NP
Sundarbans NP
Sundarbans NP (India)
IUCN Category Ia (Strict Nature Reserve)
Location: West Bengal, India
Nearest city: Gosaba
Area: 1330.12 km²
Established: 1984
Visitation: NA (in 2005)
Governing body: Government of India, Government of West Bengal

The Sundarbans National Park (Bengali: সুন্দরবন জাতীয় উদ্দ্যান) refers to a National Park, Tiger Reserve, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a Biosphere Reserve located in the Sundarbans delta in Indian state of West Bengal. Mangrove forests densely covered the region, serving as one of the largest reserves of the Bengal tiger. The park also serves as home to a variety of bird, reptile, and invertebrate species, including the salt-water crocodile. Sundarbans National Park received its name from the local mangrove sundari trees found in abundance throughout the park.

The Sundarbans had been declared the core area of Sundarbans Tiger Reserve in 1973 and a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1977. On 4 May 1984, the Indian government declared the area a National Park. UNESCO designated Sundarbans National Park a World Heritage Site[1] in 1987. The whole Sundarbans area had been declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1989.

Sundarbans National Park*
UNESCO World Heritage Site
State Party Flag of India India
Type Natural
Criteria ix, x
Reference 452
Region** Asia-Pacific
Inscription history
Inscription 1987  (11th Session)
* Name as inscribed on World Heritage List.
** Region as classified by UNESCO.

Geography and Climate

Sundarbans National Park lay in between 30° 24' - 30° 28' N longitude and between 77° 40' - 77° 44' E latitude in the South 24 Parganas district in the Indian state of West Bengal. On average, the park stands 7.5 m above sea level; 54 small islands reside within the park and several tributaries of Ganga River and Brahmaputra River crisscross it.

Sundarbans National Park hosts the largest estuarine mangrove forest in the world; 26 of the 50 broad mangrove types found in the world abound in the Sundarbans. The commonly identifiable vegetation that grow in the dense mangrove forests at the Sundarbans include salt water mixed forest, mangrove scrub, brackish water mixed forest, littoral forest, wet forest and wet alluvial grass forests.

The average maximum and minimum temperature measure 34 °C and 20 °C respectively. Rain falls heavily with humidity reaching as high as 80 percent close to the Bay of Bengal. The monsoon lasts from mid-June to mid-September. Prevailing winds blow from the north and north-east October to mid-March and south-west westerlies prevail from mid-March to September. Storms, which sometimes develop into cyclones, occur commonly during the months of May and October.

Flora and fauna

Sixty four plant species grow in Sundarbans; they have the ability to withstand estuarine conditions and saline inundation arising from tidal effects. In the month of April and May, the flaming red leaves of the Genwa, the crab-like red flowers of the Kankara, and the yellow flowers of Khalsi appear, adding to the beauty to the park. Some of the more commonly found plants and trees in the park include Genwa, Dhundal, Passur, Garjan, Kankra, Sundari, and Goran.

The Sundarbans forest serves as home to more than 200 tigers. The Royal Bengal Tigers have developed a unique characteristic of swimming in the saline waters. They have become world famous as man-eaters. In addition to the Royal Bengal Tiger, Fishing Cats, Macaques, Wild Boar, Common Grey Mongoose, Fox, Jungle Cat, Flying Fox, Pangolin, Chital, live in abundance in the Sundarbans.

Great Egret, Sundarbans

Some of the more popular birds found in that region include: Open Billed Storks, White Ibis, Water Hens, Coots, Pheasant Tailed Jacanas, Pariah Kites, Brahminy Kites, Marsh Harriers, Swamp Partridges, Red Jungle Fowls, Spotted Doves, Common Mynahs, Jungle Crows, Jungle Babblers, Cotton Teals, Herring Gulls, Caspian Terns, Gray Herons, Brahminy Ducks, Spotted Billed Pelicans, Large Egrets, Night Herons, Common Snipes, Wood Sandpipers, Green Pigeons, Rose Ringed Parakeets, Paradise Flycatchers, Cormorants, Fishing Eagles, White Bellied Sea Eagles, Seagulls, Common Kingfishers, Peregrine falcons, Woodpeckers, Whimprels, Black-Tailed Godwits, Little Stints, Eastern Knots, Curlews, Golden Plovers, Pintails, White Eyed Pochards, and Whistling Teals.

Some of the fish and amphibians found in the park's waters include Sawfish, Butter Fish, Electric Rays, Silver carp, Star Fish, Common Carp, King Crabs, Prawn, Shrimps, Gangetic Dolphins, Skipping Frogs, Common Toads, and Tree Frogs.

The Sundarbans National Park hosts an abundance reptiles as well, including Olive Ridley Turtles, Sea Snakes, Dog Faced Water Snakes, Green Turtles, Estuarine Crocodiles, Chameleons, King Cobras, Salvator Lizards, Hard Shelled Batgun Terrapins, Russels Vipers, Mouse Ghekos, Monitor Lizards, Curviers, Hawks Bill Turtles, Pythons, Common Kraits, Chequered Killbacks, and rat Snakes.

Royal Bengal Tiger, Estuarian Crocodile, River Terrapin (Batagur baska), Olive Ridley Turtle, Gangetic Dolphin, Ground Turtle, Hawks Bill Turtle and King Crabs (Horse shoe) number among the endangered species living within the Sundarbans.

Management and special projects

Sundarbans, Bangladesh.

The park has received government protection since its inception. The core area prohibits by strictly enforced laws all human activity including collection of wood, honey, fishing and other forest produces. In buffer area, the government permits fishing, honey collection and wood cutting within limits. Well-armed agents patrol the park in motorboats and launches, protecting the park from poaching and theft of forest products. The government maintains park offices and camps at several important points in the park. Two or three experienced deputies man anti-poaching camps under the supervision of Park Rangers.

The government maintains the wildlife habitat through eco-conservation, eco-development, training, education and research. Ten Forest Protection Committees and fourteen Eco-development Committees have been formed in the fringe of Sundarbans Tiger Reserve to promote the protection of the environment. Park officials conduct seminars, workshops, awareness camps, frequently in and around the park to educate people on environmental issues such as eco-conservation, eco-development. The government plants and maintains mangrove forest and other trees in the fringe area to meet the need for fuel wood for about 1,000 villages local to the park, and to conserve the buffer area. Conservation of soil projects maintain the ecological balance of the park. Several sweet water ponds have been dug inside the park to provide drinking water to the wild animals.

Sundari trees in Sundarbans, Bengal

Controlling man-eating tigers constitutes another major activity for park officials. The number of deaths has been reduced from 40 to 10 per year, the result of strict control over the movement of the people inside the tiger reserve, alternative income generation and safety awareness training among people. The use of human masks and electric human dummies has aided in thwarting the tiger's tendancy to attack and kill people. Nylon net fencing and solar illumination of villages, along with other measures, has helped prevent the straying of tigers into nearby villages. The village youth have been receiving training on controlling the straying of tigers into the villages.

The Mangrove Interpretation Centre has been established at Sajnekhali to foster awareness among the local people and tourists about importance of conservation of nature in general and specially the mangrove eco-systems.

Though tough laws protect the park, a few loopholes exist. The geographical topography with jungle wilderness terrain criss-crossed by several rivers and their tributaries, a long international border with Bangladesh, fishing trawlers and launches makes complete control of poaching and cutting of the mangrove forests for fire wood, difficult. Lack of park staff, infrastructure and funds contribute to the gaps in protection of the park.

Park-specific information

Tour Boat, Sundarbans, Bengal

Hiring a boat and floating down the various lanes formed by the many flowing rivers represents the only means of traveling the park. You can travel in any of the local boats or in luxury launches namely M.V. Chitrarekha and M.V. Madhukar, operated by the tourism department.

In addition to viewing the wildlife from the boat safaris, you can also visit the following places in Sundarbans: Bhagatpur Crocodile Project (a crocodile breeding farm accessed from Namkhana), Sagar Island, Jambudweep, Sudhanyakali watchtower, Buriidabri Tiger Project, Netidhopani Watchtower, Haliday Island (famous for Barking Deer), Kanak (nesting place of Olive Ridley Turtle), and Sajankhali Bird Sanctuary (famous for avian fauna).

Forest lodges and forest rest-houses accommodations may be rented at Sajnekhali, Bakkhali, and Piyali. The cruise launches MV Chitralekha and MV Sarbajaya also have lodging facilities. Visitors can find lodging facilities at Sundarbans Jungle Camp on Bali Island, run by Help Tourism Group with collaboration with local communities and members of Bali Nature and Wildlife Conservation Society.

  • Nearest airport: Dum Dum airport at Kolkata, 112 km away.
  • Nearest railhead: Canning, 48 km away from the Park.
  • Nearest Road: Road transportation, available from Kolkata for Namkhana (105 km), Sonakhali (100 km), Raidighi (76 km), Canning (64 km), and Najat (92 km), all near the Sunderbans and with access to the riverine waterways.
  • Nearest town: Gosaba, 50 km away.
  • Nearest city: Kolkata, 112 km away.

November to February, when the tigers can be seen on the river banks having sunbath, constitutes the ideal time to visit the park.

Entry Permits: The foreign tourists wanting to visit the tiger projects and the Sajnekhali, have to obtain the special permits for entry into the Sundarbans National Park. They must contact the Secretary, West Bengal Forest Department, Writer's Building, Kolkata - 700001. To obtain the entry permit for other areas of the Sundarban, tourists must visit the Field Director, Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, PO Canning, District 24 Parganas, West Bengal. A boat cruise through Sunderbans outside the sanctuary requires no entry permit.

Gallery

  • Sundarbans fisherman

  • Sundarbans bird

  • Brahminy Kites, Sundarbans

  • Spotted Deer and House Crow

  • Hindu-Goddess Manasa, a Naga (Snake Goddess), in a hut made of mud in a village in the Sundarbans, West Bengal, India

  • People aboard a small boat in the Sunderbans in Bangladesh.

  • Boat in the Sundarbans of Bangladesh

  • Boats in a dim light in the Sundarbans.

See also

  • Project Tiger

Notes

  1. ↑ Sundarbans National Park, UNESCO, 2008. Retrieved February 5, 2008.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Alexander, Kanjirathara Chandy, R. R. Prasad, and M. P. Jahagirdar. Tribals, Rehabilitation & Development. Jaipur, India: Rawat Publications, 1991. OCLC: 24770898
  • Khati, Anand S. National Parks of India. Noida: Pelican Creations International, 1998. ISBN 9788186738009
  • Roy Chowdhury, Biswajit, Buroshiva Dasgupta, and Indira Bhattacharya. Natural Wonders of India & Nepal. London: New Holland Publishers, 2002. ISBN 9781859745236
  • Seidensticker, John, and Md. Abdul Hai. The Sundarbans Wildlife Management Plan Conservation in the Bangladesh Coastal Zone. Gland, Switzerland: International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, 1983. OCLC: 10584597
  • Townsend, Amy K. Protected Areas As Common Property and India's Sundarbans National Park. S.l: s.n, 1992. OCLC: 32258902

External Links

All links retrieved February 26, 2023.

World Heritage Sites in India

Agra Fort · Ajanta Caves · Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi · Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park · Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus · Churches and convents of Goa · Elephanta Caves · Ellora Caves · Fatehpur Sikri · Great Living Chola Temples · Group of Monuments at Hampi · Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram · Group of Monuments at Pattadakal · Humayun's Tomb · Kaziranga National Park · Keoladeo National Park · Khajuraho Group of Monuments · Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya · Manas Wildlife Sanctuary · Mountain railways of India · Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks · Qutub Minar and its Monuments · The Red Fort complex · Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka · Sun Temple at Konark Sundarbans National Park · Taj Mahal

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