Ecosystems - The Sundarbans

Some facts about the Sundarbans:

• The Sundarbans mangrove forest is located at the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputa and Meghna rivers in the Bay of Bengal.
• As well of mangrove forests the area is also covered in jungle.
• One third of the area is covered in water.
• The area has high biodiversity, including 260 bird species, tigers and crocodiles.
• Serves as a protective flood barrier for millions of inhabitant. 

Management

• 3 sanctuaries with a total area of 346,000 acres protect the landscape.
• It is an UNESCO World heritage site.
• To visit the area a permit is needed from the Divisional Forest Office.
• A guide is also necessary to reach the reserves.
• Its a Ramsar site.
• The endangered Royal Bengal tiger sometimes gets into the villages and instead of the villagers shooting them they have been taught how to control the tigers.

Exploitation

• Fertile soils have been subject to intensive agriculture.
• The rapidly expanding shrimp farming industry is a significant threat to the mangrove forests of Bangladesh.
• Illegal cutting, encroachment of forest areas and illegal poaching of wildlife. 
• Forest ecosystem also has become vulnerable to pollution. 
• Threats arise from global climate change, especially sea level rise.