Sundarbans
The world's largest mangrove forest, shared by Bangladesh and India.
Compiled from encyclopedias and other published sources. I haven't checked every detail myself.
- Type
- Mangrove forest
- Location
- South-western Bangladesh and eastern India
- Known for
- Royal Bengal tiger, tidal rivers and creeks
- Recognised
- UNESCO World Heritage Site (1997, Bangladesh part)
Overview
The Sundarbans is a vast mangrove forest where the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers meet the Bay of Bengal. It is widely described as the largest mangrove forest in the world. The larger part lies in Bangladesh, the rest in India.
Tides flood the forest twice a day, and the trees have adapted with roots that rise out of the mud to breathe. The forest is best known as home to the Royal Bengal tiger, and it also shelters spotted deer, crocodiles and many kinds of birds.
Why it matters
The forest shields the coast from cyclones and storm surges, and supports the fishing, honey-gathering and wood-cutting work of the people who live around it.