Bengal Tigers live in a vast Mangrove Forest! The World Heritage Site: The Sundarbans

The Sundarbans is one of three World Heritage Sites in Bangladesh, and the only one designated as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. This vast forest region spans a total area of one million hectares across India’s West Bengal state and Bangladesh, with 62% of it lying within Bangladesh.

In Bengali, the official language of Bangladesh, “Sundarbans” means “beautiful forest.” Let’s take a closer look at this expansive and magnificent natural treasure, the World Heritage Site known as the Sundarbans.

What is the Sundarbans?

The World Heritage Site “The Sundarbans” was registered in 1997. Spanning India’s West Bengal and Bangladesh, the Sundarbans is called “Sundarban” in Hindi on the Indian side, where the Sundarbans National Park is likewise a protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Sundarbans contains the world’s largest natural mangrove forest, with 62% of its total area located in Bangladesh. As a World Heritage Site, it includes the Sundarbans National Park, the Sundarbans West Wildlife Sanctuary, the Sundarbans East Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Sundarbans South Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Sundarbans is also famous for being home to the endangered Bengal tiger. In addition, it hosts more than 240 species of birds, as well as deer, crocodiles, and monkeys. Along the coast, rare species of dolphins and other marine life can be found, making it a paradise for animals.

Feature ①: The World’s Largest Natural Mangrove Forest and the Bengal Tiger

The World Heritage Site “The Sundarbans” is known as the world’s largest natural mangrove forest. Mangroves are plants that grow in brackish water where seawater and freshwater mix, typically found in tropical regions. Located in the delta formed by the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers that flow across India and Bangladesh, the Sundarbans is a muddy, flat wetland. Numerous rivers and estuaries intricately weave through it, creating the ideal environment for mangroves to flourish.

This natural mangrove forest in the Sundarbans is also home to more than 300 Bengal tigers, which are classified as an endangered species.

Feature ②: Untouched Wilderness

The World Heritage Site “The Sundarbans,” meaning “beautiful forest,” is home not only to mangroves but also to various species of flowers, trees, monkeys, deer, owls, kingfishers, and reptiles such as crocodiles. Animals familiar to Japan, such as rhesus monkeys and otters, live here as well, along with rare species like freshwater dolphins and Ganges river dolphins. Truly, it is a paradise for flora and fauna.

Precautions

Since the July 2016 terrorist attack in Dhaka, which resulted in over 20 deaths including seven Japanese nationals, the threat of terrorism persists throughout Bangladesh. The Sundarbans is no exception, and according to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it is currently rated at Danger Level 2: “Avoid non-essential travel.” Therefore, visiting the area at present is not recommended.

◎ Summary

The World Heritage Site “The Sundarbans,” spanning India and Bangladesh, is the focus of ongoing conservation efforts to preserve its valuable natural environment — including the endangered Bengal tiger and the world’s largest mangrove forest. In the local language, its name means “beautiful forest.” Let’s hope that its natural beauty continues to be preserved for generations to come.

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Bengal Tigers live in a vast Mangrove Forest! The World Heritage Site: The Sundarbans