The Inhabitants
Wildlife Checklist
Discover the diverse flora and fauna that call the Sundarbans home.
Discover the diverse flora and fauna that call the Sundarbans home.
The undisputed ruler of the mangrove forest. This majestic cat is perfectly adapted to the semi-aquatic environment, a rare and thrilling sight for any visitor.
These massive reptiles are the apex predators of the waterways. You can often see them basking on the mud banks, absorbing the sun's heat.
A common and beautiful sight, these deer are often seen in herds grazing on the forest floor. They are a primary food source for the tigers and are a vital part of the ecosystem.
A true jewel of the mangrove forest. This brightly colored bird is one of several kingfisher species found here, often seen perched silently on branches overhanging the water, waiting for its next meal.
These giant lizards are often mistaken for crocodiles at first glance. They are excellent swimmers and scavengers, frequently seen patrolling the riverbanks.
A massive, prehistoric-looking bird often found standing alone on the mudflats. Its bald head and massive beak make it unmistakable.
These tiny, quirky amphibious fish are the life of the mangrove floor. You can watch them "skip" across the mud and even climb mangrove roots during low tide.
The state animal of West Bengal, this elusive and rare cat is twice the size of a house cat and is specially adapted to hunt fish in the tidal waters.
These adaptive monkeys are everywhere in the mangroves. You’ll often spot them wading through the mud at low tide to catch crabs or wash their food, a unique behavior adapted to this tidal landscape.
A powerful raptor that rules the skies here. They are easy to spot due to their stark white underbelly and can often be seen swooping down to snatch fish from the river surface.
Look closely at the mud banks during low tide to see these colorful little crabs. The males have one giant, oversized claw that they wave in the air to attract females and warn off rivals.
These rare, shy dolphins inhabit the brackish waters of the Sundarbans. Unlike the long-snouted Gangetic dolphin, they have a rounded, blunt head and are a special sight for lucky boat travelers.
