Part-1 (About Sundarban)

The Sundarbans

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The Sundarbans ('Forest of Sundari trees') are one of the largest remaining areas of mangroves in the world. It also has exceptional biodiversity, notably about 400 Bengali tigers. Its ever changing landscape is shaped by tidal shifts, rivers and creeks.

Brief Description

The Sundarbans mangrove forest, one of the largest such forests in the world (140,000 ha), lies on the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers on the Bay of Bengal. It is adjacent to the border of India’s Sundarbans World Heritage site inscribed in 1987. The site is intersected by a complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats and small islands of salt-tolerant mangrove forests, and presents an excellent example of ongoing ecological processes. The area is known for its wide range of fauna, including 260 bird species, the Bengal tiger and other threatened species such as the estuarine crocodile and the Indian python.

Justification for Inscription

The Committee inscribed the site under criteria (ix) and (x) as one of the largest remaining areas of mangroves in the world, which supports an exceptional biodiversity with a wide range of flora and fauna, including the Bengal Tiger and provides a significant example of on-going ecological processes (monsoon rains, flooding, delta formation, tidal influence and plant colonisation).

Long Description

The Sundarbans consist of three wildlife sanctuaries (Sundarbans West, East and South) lying on disjunct deltaic islands just west of the main outflow of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers, close to the border with India.
The sanctuaries are intersected by a complex network of tidal waterways, mud flats and small islands of salt tolerant mangrove forests. The area is flooded with brackish water during high tides which mix with freshwater from inland rivers.
The larger channels are often a kilometre or two wide and generally run in a north-south direction. Rivers tend to be long and straight, a consequence of the strong tidal forces and the easily eroded clay and silt deposits. But apart from Baleswar River the waterways carry little freshwater as they are cut off from the Ganges, the outflow of which has shifted from the Hooghly-Bhagirathi channels in India progressively eastwards since the 17th century. They are kept open largely by the diurnal tidal flow.
Alluvial deposits are geologically very recent and deep. The soil is a clay loam with alternate layers of clay, silt and sand. The surface is clay except on the seaward side of islands in the coastal limits, where sandy beaches occur. The monsoon rains, flooding, delta formation, and tidal influence combine in the Sundarbans to for a dynamic landscape that is constantly changing.
Sands collect at the river mouths and form banks and chars, which are blown into dunes by the strong south-west monsoon winds. Finer silts are washed out into the Bay of Bengal where they form mud flats in the lee of the dunes. These become overlain with sand from the dunes and develop into grassy middens.
Because of the dominance of saline conditions, the forest flora in the western Sundarbans is not as diverse as in the east. Forest areas are dominated by a few species mostly Sundri and Gewu and patches of Nypa palm and several other of the 27 species of mangrove that are found in the Sundarbans.
The property is the only remaining habitat in the lower Bengal Basin for a variety of faunal species. The presence of 49 mammal species has been documented. Of these, no less than five spectacular species, Javan rhinoceros, water buffalo, swamp deer, gaur and probably hog deer have become locally extirpated since the beginning of the 21st century.
The Sundarbans of Bangladesh and India support one of the largest populations of Royal Bengal Tiger with an estimated 350 individuals. Other mammals include spotted deer and wild boar, three species of wild cat and Ganges River dolphin, which occurs in some of the larger waterways. Of the three species of otter, smooth-coated otter is domesticated by fishermen and used to drive fish into their nets.
Some 53 reptile species and eight amphibian species have been recorded of these mugger crocodile is now extinct, probably as a result of past over-exploitation, although it still occurs in at least one location nearby. Estuarine crocodile still survives but its numbers have been greatly depleted through hunting and trapping for skins. Four species of marine turtle have been recorded from the area. The varied and colourful bird-life to be seen along its waterways is one of the Sundarbans' greatest attractions. There are some 315 species of waterfowl, raptors and forest birds including nine species of kingfisher and the magnificent white-bellied sea eagle.
Source: UNESCO/CLT/WHC

Historical Description

All three wildlife sanctuaries were established in 1977 under the Bangladesh Wildlife (Preservation) (Amendment) Act, 1974, having first been gazetted as forest reserves in 1878. The total area of wildlife sanctuaries was extended in 1996. The entire Sundarbans is reserved forest, established under the Indian Forest Act, 1878.
Source: Advisory Body Evaluation

Species

The species listed below represent a small sample of iconic and/or IUCN Red Listed animals and plants found in the property. Clicking on the number in brackets next to the species will reveal other World Heritage Properties in which a species has been identified. These species are identified in an effort to better communicate the biological diversity contained within World Heritage properties inscribed under criteria ix and/or x. • Amoora cucullata / Amur • Avicennia officinalis / Indian Mangrove • Axis porcinus / Hog Deer (2) • Batagur baska / Four-toed Terrapin • Bos frontalis / Gaur • Bruguiera gymnorhiza / Oriental Mangrove (2) • Bubalus bubalis / Water Buffalo • Bubo bubo / Eurasian Eagle-owl (2) • Carapa obovata / Cannonball Mangrove • Ceriops decandra / Goran

Part-2 (Related with Part-1, About Sundarban Tourist)

Places of Tourist Attraction-Sundarban
Sundarban is the home of the Royal Bengal Tiger. Located about 320 km. South-west of Dhaka and spread over an area of about 6000 sq. km. Of deltaic swamps along the coastal belt of Khulna, is the biggest mangrove forest. These dense mangrove forests are criss-crossed by a network of rivers and creeks. One finds here tides flowing in two directions in the same creek and often tigers swimming across a river or huge crocodiles basking in the sun. Other wildlife in this region are Cheetahs, spotted deer, monkeys, pythons, wild bear and hyeanas. The forest is accessible by river from Khulna and Mongla. There are rest-houses for the visitors to stay and enjoy the unspoiled nature with all its charm and majesty. Spending sometimes inside the forest can be rare treat for the lovers of nature. It has been declared as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
Main tourist sports inside the Sundarbans include Hiron Point (Nilkamal), Katka and Tinkona island to view tigers, deer, monkeys, Crocodiles, birds and natural beauty. Aother major attraction inside the Sundarbans is Dublarchar (island) mainly a fisherman's village. Herds of spotted deer are often found to graze here. Water transport is the only means of communication for visiting the Sundarbans from Khulna or Mongla port. Private motor launch, speed boats, country boats as well as mechanized vessel of Mongla Port Authority might be hired for the purpose. From Dhaka visitors may travel by air, road or rocket steamer to Khulna - the gateway to the Sundarbans. Most pleasant journey from Dhaka to Khulna is by paddle or Steamer Rocket presenting a picturesque panorama of rural Bangladesh. Day and night-long coach services by road are also available. The quickest mode is by air from Dhaka to Jessore and then to Khulna by road. Journey time varies depending on tides against or in favor in the river. Usually it takes 6 to 10 hours journey by motor vessel from Mongla TO Hiron Point or Katka.
Permission from the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO). Khulna is required to visit the forest. Cholera vaccine is to be taken well in advance. Anti-malaria, anti-diarrhoeal, insect repellent cream, drinking water, green coconut, medical kit, light tropical dress, thick rubber soled boots etc. are to be carried with the tourist. It will be wise to take the help of an experienced guide to make the journey fruitful.

Part-3 (About Sundarban Tiger)

[pic] Sunderban Tiger Reserve

Introduction

Sundarbans in West Bengal is the estuarine phase of the Ganges as well as Brahmaputra river systems. This littoral forest is the only ecological habitat of the tiger of its kind not only in India but also in the world except in Bangladesh. The typical littoral forests of Sundarbans comprises of a host of trees species adopted to the peculiar estuarine condition of high salinity, lack of soil erosion and daily inundation by high tides. The tidal forms and the mangrove vegetation in Sundarban are responsible for dynamic eco-system vigorous nutrient cycling both terrestrial and aquatic. The whole eco-system is sensitive to changes in salinity and the continuous cycle of erosion and deposition is affecting the plant communities giving rise to dynamic floristic changes. The plant communities are continuously adjusting to the new conditions.
Sundarbans Tiger Reserve provides characteristic type of habitat suitable for animals inhabiting vast tidal swamp area. Because of their intimate association with the estuarine environment, sizeable portion of aquatic and semi-aquatic animal communities are inter-related with the animals inhabiting the land areas. The uniqueness of the habitat is said to have contributed to certain behavioral trends, which are characteristic of Sundarbans tigers only. It is considered that man-eating propensity of tiger in this area is hereditarily acquired over a period of generations in the process of consumption of saline water.
Cheetal, wild boar, rhesus macaque are the main prey species of tiger. Aquatic animals like the crabs and fishes are also eaten by Sundarban tiger which occupies the pinnacle of both terrestrial as well as aquatic food-web.
Sundarbans mangrove is the home of a number of endangered and globally threatened species. The Bengal Tiger and the fishing cat are getting effective protection here. The creeks of Sundarbans form the home of Estuarine Crocodile, Salvator Lizard (Water Monitor), River Terrapin and Horse Shoe or King Crab. This area serves as the nesting ground for endangered marine turtles like Olive Ridley, Green Turtle and Hawk's Bill Turtles. The aquatic endangered mammals like Genetic Dolphins thrive within mangrove creeks close to sea. Number of heronries form here during monsoon as well as during winter. It is home for Trans-Himalayan migratory birds.

Conservation History

The Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, created in 1973, was the part of the then 24-Pargans Division. Subsequently the area comprising of the present tiger reserve was constituted as Reserve Forest in 1978. The total area of the Sunderbans is 9630 sq. km. out of which 4264 sq. km. bears mangrove forest. The area of the Reserve is 2585 sq. km. covering land area of 1600 sq. km. and water body over 985 sq. km.
Within this area 1330.12 sq. km. is designated as core area, which was subsequently declared as Sundarban National Park in 1984. An area of 124.40 sq. km. within the core area is preserved as primitive zone to act as gene pool.
Within the buffer zone, Sajnekhali Wildlife sanctuary was created in 1976 covering an area of 362.335 sq. km. Considering the importance of the biogeographic region of Bengalian River Forests and its unique biodiversity the National Park area of the Reserve was included in the list of World Heritage Sites in 1985. Whole Sundarbans area was declared as Biosphere Reserve in 1989.
Census

|Year |Species |Population |
| |
|1989 | | |
| |Deer |30886 |
| | | |
|1992 | | |
| |Tiger |251 |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
|1993 | | |
| |Deer |30978 |
| | | |
| | | |
| |Wild boar |11869 |
| | | |
| | | |
| |Rhesus macaque |37691 |
| | | |
| | | |
| |Water Monitor |10272 |
| | | |
|1995 | | |
| |Tiger |242 |
| | | |
|1997 | | |
| |Tiger |256-270 |
| | | |

Forest Types
Tidal swamp forests,Saline water type mixed forests ,brackish water type mixed forests palm swamp type

Major Flora

There are 64 plant species in Sundarbans and they have the capacity to withstand estuarine conditions and saline inundation on account of tidal effects.
Main Species
Excaecaria sp., Heritiera sp., Ceriops sp., Phoenix sp., Sonneratia sp., Avicennia sp., Rhizophora sp., Xylocarpus sp., Bruguiera sp. etc.
Major Fauna

Main Species

Tiger, fishing cat, chital, wildboar, water monitor, estuarine crocodile.

Endanger Species

Tiger, Estuarian Crocodile, River Terrapin (Batagur baska), Olive Ridlay Turtle, Gangetic Dolphin, Ground Turtle, Hawks Bill Turtle, King Crabs (Horse shoe)

Management
Practices, Achievements and Shortfalls

The Reserve has received effective protection under Project Tiger since its creation. The core area is free from all human disturbances like fishing, collection of wood, honey and other forest produces while in buffer fishing, honey collection and wood cutting are permitted to a limited extent. Protection against poaching and theft of forest produce has been ensured through intensive patrolling by staff in motorboats and launches. The offices and camps are located at strategic points to keep a watch over the area. There exists an effective communication network for protection. Furthermore, the staff is well armed.

Intensive management takes care of the maintenance and improvement of the habitat through eco-conservation, eco-development, education, training and research. Mud-flats on the periphery of the reserve are artificially regenerated with mangrove plants to meet local fuel wood demand and reduce the pressure on buffer. Non-mangrove plantations are also raised along roads and embankments of the fringe area to cater the need of the fringe people.

Soil conservation is taken up to stabilize the vulnerable sites. To facilitate the availability of sweet water for animals, ponds have been dug at several places in the forest.

The other main activity is controlling man-eating by tigers which existed here since time immemorial and the numbers of casualties have been reduced from more than 40 to less than 10 per year. This has become possible due to strict control over the movement of the people inside the tiger reserve, alternative income generation and awareness building among people. Use of human-masks, electric human dummies etc. are believed to have also contributed in controlling man-eating by tigers. The straying of tigers into the adjoining villages is a serious problem in the area. Measures like erection of branches of genwa, nylon net fencing at forest side and solar illumination at village side at night have however, helped to reduce the incidents of tiger straying. For rescuing the strayed tiger, method of tranquilization using dart gun is also applied where driving of the tiger to the nearby forest is not possible. The youth of the villages have also been imparted training to enable them to play appropriate role in controlling the straying of the tigers into the habitation.

Special Projects

The Reserve has successfully launched a special programme to conserve the highly endangered Olive Ridley Turtles. Hatching of Olive Ridley Turtles and River Terrapin is done at Sajnekhali to replenish their population.

Eco-development
Co-operation of fringe people in the conservation of the tiger habitat, as it could gradually be felt, has been possible through constant motivation and awareness building of the people as well as increased public liaison and their involvement in the planning process for implementation of eco-development programme. Participatory Management has already been introduced in Sundarbans Tiger Reserve and 10 Forest Protection Committees and 14 Eco-development Committees have been formed in the fringe of Sundarbans Tiger Reserve and the response is positive.
In Sundarbans the following eco-development activities have been undertaken.

1. Excavation of rain water irrigation channel to increase agricultural production.
2. Provision of pisciculture ponds in the buffer area to be managed by village co-operative for prawns and sweet water fish. This will help in income generation.
3. Provision of Solar lights in the villages on the periphery both for lighting as well as to scare away tiger from straying into the villages.
4. Provision of smokeless chullahs for optimization of fuel consumption.
5. Raising mangrove plantations on the periphery to meet local fuel wood demand
6. Provision of medical care facilities to the villagers through collaborative efforts of the Management and NGOs
Village Forest Protection Committees

Ten Village Forest Protection Committees have been formed by the management and villagers.

Education and Awareness

Mangrove eco-system is very fragile and people's sustenance in the area, again, mainly depends on the maintenance and sustainable use of the eco-system. At the same time this eco-system is the most productive eco-system on the planet guiding the benefit of the nutrient cycling of both terrestrial as well as marine system. Therefore, understanding of the system and its importance is very useful to the people and awareness building among the people around the mangrove forest is necessary. Educating people around the Reserve about the importance of conservation of mangrove eco-system and its natural resources as well as launching of programme of training and demonstration of improvised technology for bringing socio-economic development in the region will certainly help in the conservation of this unique ecosystem. Thus, seminars, workshops, awareness camps etc are organised frequently in the vicinity of Reserve. Interpretation trips are also arranged for school students, villagers, Panchayat members and women. Audio-visual equipment is being used to highlight the need of conservation of nature and eco-system. Short term training course about the mangrove eco-system are conducted for the registered local tourist guides, which has generated local interest and employment. The Mangrove Interpretation Centre established at Sajnekhali will play a great role in awareness building and orientation of the people and tourist towards the paramount importance of conservation of nature in general and the mangrove eco-systems in particular.
Protection Squads / Patrolling

Anti-poaching camps are manned by 2-3 knowledgeable labourers and supervised by concerned beat guard/Forester/Range officer.

Constraints

There is no denying the fact that the mangrove zone because of its difficult geographic situation and hostile terrain criss-crossed by a network of turbulent streams and having long stretch of international border with Bangladesh and fishing arena in the sea for thousands of trawlers and mechanised boats is vulnerable to various threats like poaching of animals and pilferage of woods. Compared to the size of this protected area and the proportion of problems which is encountered here the logistic support in terms of staff strength, infrastructure facilities and availability of fund is inadequate.

Human population

There is no village inside the Reserve.

Outside the Tiger Reserve there are more than 1000 villages within Sundarbans area out of which around 100 villages are very close to STR at the north and north-west fringe of the Reserve.

Livestock population

There is no livestock in the Reserve.

Encroachment

There is no encroachment within the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve area. An attempt for encroachment was made in 1978 in the Jhila Block (Marichjhapadi) by the refugees from Bangladesh but the attempt was thwarted and the area was made free from encroachers.

Grazing

As the mangrove forest of Sundarbans Tiger Reserve is bounded all through its periphery by streams and creeks, there is no problem of cattle grazing within the reserve.

Fire

Fire does not occur.

Poaching of fauna and flora

The core area of the Reserve is free from all biotic interference though attempts of fishing are a disturbance.
Killing of Tigers Since 1990

|Date of Death |Remarks |
|12.08.90 |At Dayapur, killed by villagers |
|23.01.93 |Electrocution |
|05.01.94 |Detected by private launch floating in Sudhanyakali |
|26.09.94 |Dead tiger found in a paddy field at Hamnagar (Poisioning) |
|05.12.94 |Found in paddy field at Jamespur |
|03.08.95 |Killed by villagers near Central Satjelia School at Luxbagan |

Diseases

There has been no incidence of epidemic

Control of the Buffer

Control of buffer is with the management of the Reserve.

Conflicts

Man-Animal

Man-eating propensity of Sundarban tiger has been a great problem. This happens with either attack on villagers entering the forest or by tiger straying into the habitation. Numerous steps taken by the management has mitigated this problem to a large extent.

Man-Forest

Dire poverty urges the people of Sundarbans to frequent the forest in search of livelihood. Some of them take the risk of cyclone for fishing and other enter the forest to collect honey and fuel wood. The vulnerable mangrove eco-system is under stress due to such interference.

Wild Animal - Forest

Total protection of vegetation in the core area without any manipulation of crop density appears not to create ideal habitat condition for the tiger and its prey animals

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