Sundarban National Park: A Sample Of The Rich Diversity In India
For centuries, the Sundarbans have been home to a diverse ecosystem. The Sundarbans National Park is one of India’s most important areas for conservation and preservation. Here, you can find wildlife such as Bengal tigers, crocodiles, the Indian giant squirrel and hornbills.
A Brief History of Sundarban
The Sundarbans are a vast, mangrove-ringed delta in Bangladesh and India that is home to a rich diversity of plant and animal life. The delta’s woodlands, marshes and coral reefs are some of the most critical habitats for the threatened Asian elephant. The National Park was established in 1981 to protect the area’s natural resources and biodiversity. The park straddles the border between India and Bangladesh, covering an area of 159 square kilometres.
The Sundarbans, which cover approximately 10,000 square kilometres and are the world’s largest mangrove forest, are also home to a wide variety of wildlife. Another remarkable feature of the park is its bird life. Amongst the birds found here are plovers, storks, flamingos and gulls, all of which are usually found in the coastal regions of India.
The Sundarbans National Park is home to 18 species of reptiles and amphibians. One animal that can be spotted here is the Gharial, a crocodilian species related to the American alligator and Nile crocodile. This reptile can be found in both fresh and saltwater across the country and has been known to grow up to 2 meters (6 ft 7 in) long.
Wildlife Concerns
The Sundarban National Park is one of the most diverse wildlife sanctuaries in India. The park is home to over 1,600 species of birds, more than 350 species of mammals, and more than 100 species of reptiles and amphibians. The park is also a hotspot for several endangered and threatened species such as the elephant, tiger, Bali tigress, and the gaur.
There are several reasons why the Sundarban National Park is a biodiversity hotspot. First and foremost, the park is located on the eastern coast of India, which makes it a natural barrier against the spread of invasive species. Secondly, the park contains a great deal of wetland and coastal forest. These habitats are essential for many species that live in water or near water sources. Finally, the park has been spared from human development and has remained largely untouched by humans since it was established in 1952. This allows for a great deal of natural regeneration and biodiversity enhancement.
Despite these benefits, there are concerns regarding wildlife conservation in the Sundarban National Park. First and foremost, human populations have exploded throughout India in recent years, which has resulted in increased pressure on wildlife resources. Second, development projects within the Sundarban National Park are planned and developed, which threatens the park’s continued protection. Third, illegal activities such as poaching of animals for the trade and sale of their skin, meat and bones is a common occurrence in the park.
How to Go to Sundarban?
The Sunderban National Park is one of the most popular wildlife tourist destinations. The easiest way to reach this destination is by train from Canning. Direct links from Kolkata are available by rail and road, as well as from Canning.
By Air: The nearest airport to the Sunderban National Park is Netaji Subhash International Airport, which is 112 kilometres away. To reach the park by the road, take a train from Kolkata until you reach it.
By Train: Canning is the nearest railway station, which is 48 kilometres away in distance. From the Kolkata Sealdah Station, there are several local trains throughout the day to Canning. You can travel by bus from there to Sunderban National Park or by boat.
By Road: There are many modes of transportation between Kolkata and Sunderbans. There are highways and public transport, or you could go by boat through the Nahkhani, Canning, Raidighi, or Najat.
By Waterways: To travel to Sunderbans by boat, you can rent boats from Namkhana, Sagar Island, Sajnekhali, Sonakhali and Raidighi.
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