Flora - Sundarban is home to over 300 kinds of plants, including many true mangrove species. This mangrove forest grows in a unique zone where land meets the sea, mostly in tropical and sub-tropical regions. The Sundarban lies in the world’s largest delta, formed where the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers flow into the Bay of Bengal. Some commonly found plant species here include the Kripa tree, Jhamti Goran, Moth Goran, Kankara, Kandelia Goria, Sundari leaves, and Karanja Baine.
Fauna - This rich mangrove habitat, with its many natural niches, supports more than 1,586 animal species. These include around 15 types of mammals, 8 bird species, and 17 kinds of reptiles. The Sundarban is the only mangrove forest in the world where Royal Bengal Tigers live naturally. Other mammals found in the region include the Gangetic and Irrawaddy dolphins, cheetal, rhesus macaque, wild boar, fishing cat, leopard cat, small Indian civet, common otter, and the black finless porpoise. The area is also known for a wide variety of birds such as herons, waders, and birds of prey. The endangered saltwater, or estuarine, crocodile is seen in healthy numbers across the many rivers and creeks. Along with crocodiles, several snake species are common here, including the king cobra, common cobra, Russell’s viper, common krait, rat snake, chequered keelback, and green whip snake.
