OT Staff & Waquar Habib
The Sundarbans hosts the world’s largest population of Royal Bengal Tigers, adapted to a mangrove habitat. These elusive predators are skilled swimmers.
One of the largest reptiles in the world, saltwater crocodiles thrive in the brackish waters of the Sundarbans. They can grow over six metres, dominating rivers and estuaries.
This medium-sized wild cat is well adapted to wetlands, feeding mainly on fish and crustaceans. Fishing cats in the Sundarbans are often spotted near creeks and tidal pools.
Spotted deer form the most abundant herbivore population in the Sundarbans. They graze on grasses and mangrove leaves, serving as a crucial prey species for tigers and crocodiles.
Wild boars inhabit the mangrove thickets and mudflats, feeding on roots, fruits, and small animals. They are an important prey base for tigers and occasionally raid human settlements.
The water monitor is among the largest lizards in Asia, growing up to three metres. In the Sundarbans, they thrive in mangroves, scavenging on fish, crabs, and carrion.
Olive Ridley sea turtles visit the Sundarbans’ coastal waters for nesting. Known for their mass nesting behaviour called arribadas, they are protected due to global population decline from habitat loss.
The world’s longest venomous snake, the king cobra, inhabits mangrove forests of the Sundarbans. Feeding mainly on other snakes, it plays an essential role in maintaining ecological balance.
An ancient marine arthropod, the mangrove horseshoe crab thrives in tidal mudflats of the Sundarbans. Recognised for its blue blood used in medical research, it is a protected species.
Irrawaddy dolphins inhabit the estuarine waters of the Sundarbans. Identified by their rounded heads and shy surfacing behaviour, they are often spotted in rivers like the Raimangal and Saptamukhi.