Status of the Mammal Fauna in Sundarban Tiger Reserve, West Bengal - India

A one-year study conducted from January to December 2010 in the Sundarban Tiger Reserve, West Bengal, revealed significant shrinkage of mangrove swamp habitat and a decline in mammal species due to extensive anthropogenic and natural threats. The research, involving literature review, questionnaires, and ground surveys with frontline forest department staff, recorded 49 extant mammal species, including four globally endangered, four vulnerable, and two near-threatened species according to the IUCN Red List. Alarmingly, 15 species were found only rarely, while six species had become extinct in the last two centuries. Tiger sightings were more frequent in Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary and buffer areas than in the core Sundarban National Park. The study underscores the urgent need for high-priority wildlife conservation, proper implementation of tiger action plans, infrastructural development, and effective joint forest management to preserve this unique ecosystem.

Mallick, J. K. (2011). STATUS OF THE MAMMAL FAUNA IN SUNDARBAN TIGER RESERVE, WEST BENGAL - INDIA. Taprobanica, 3(2), 52–68. https://doi.org/10.47605/tapro.v3i2.48