The Sundarbans, a large mangrove forest, is shared between which two South Asian countries?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer
India and Bangladesh
Explanation
The Sundarbans is the world's largest contiguous mangrove forest, located in the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers in the Bay of Bengal. It is shared between India and Bangladesh, with approximately 40% of the forest residing in India and 60% in Bangladesh. This region is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is world-renowned for its unique biodiversity, most notably as the primary habitat of the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger.
Key Points
The forest acts as a natural protective barrier for the coastal regions of both nations against cyclonic storms and tidal surges. It is characterized by its complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats, and salt-tolerant mangrove tree species. Beyond its ecological importance, the Sundarbans supports a delicate ecosystem that sustains various species, including the estuarine crocodile, spotted deer, and numerous bird species, while also providing livelihoods for local communities through fishing and honey collection.
Important Questions and Answers
Question: Why is the Sundarbans ecosystem particularly vulnerable to climate change?
Answer: The Sundarbans is highly susceptible to rising sea levels, increased salinity, and more frequent, severe cyclones, all of which threaten the survival of the fragile mangrove vegetation and the diverse wildlife that depends on it.
Question: What is the significance of the Royal Bengal Tiger in the Sundarbans?
Answer: The Sundarbans is one of the very few places in the world where tigers have adapted to live and hunt in a mangrove habitat, making them a unique and critically important flagship species for the region's conservation.