Mammals of Sundarbans: A Wildlife Explorer’s Guide
The Sundarbans , the largest tidal mangrove forest on Earth, is a unique and complex ecosystem that supports an incredible diversity of wildlife. This vast delta, shared between India and Bangladesh , is home to some of the world’s most elusive and endangered mammals . The intertwining network of saltwater estuaries, tidal rivers, mudflats, and dense mangrove forests creates a challenging but fascinating environment for mammalian life.
The region is most famous for the Royal Bengal Tiger , but it is also home to a wide array of predators, herbivores, and aquatic mammals . Below is a comprehensive list of the mammals of Sundarbans , categorized by their ecological roles.
List of Mammals Found in the Sundarbans
1. Big Cats (Family: Felidae)
2. Small and Medium-Sized Carnivores
3. Ungulates (Hoofed Mammals)
4. Marine and Semi-Aquatic Mammals
5. Bats (Order: Chiroptera)
6. Rodents (Order: Rodentia)
7. Primates (Order: Primates)
The Sundarbans is a mammalian biodiversity hotspot , with its unique landscape shaping the behavior and adaptations of its inhabitants. Tigers have developed an affinity for swimming , fishing cats rely on aquatic prey , and river dolphins navigate murky estuarine waters . However, these magnificent creatures face threats from habitat destruction, climate change, and poaching.
Conservation initiatives are crucial to protecting the rich mammalian life of the Sundarbans. Sustainable ecotourism, strict anti-poaching laws, and habitat preservation efforts are essential in ensuring these animals continue to thrive.
External References
Mammals of Sundarban – SundarbanTravel.com A detailed overview highlighting common mammalian species in the Sundarbans such as spotted deer (Chital), wild boar, and others.Read more
Sundarbans (Wikipedia) Offers a comprehensive account of mammals found in the Sundarbans — including the iconic Bengal tiger, jungle cat, fishing cat, leopard cat, otters, and more — along with population estimates and ecological notes.Explore here
Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve – Official Page Presents biosphere reserve statistics, including biodiversity metrics stating that the region supports around 58 mammal species , with insights into habitat and conservation context.Learn more
Sundarban Tiger Reserve – Fauna Overview Offers official perspectives on fauna within the tiger reserve, emphasizing the Royal Bengal Tiger’s unique adaptation to mangrove ecosystems and listing high-priority species under conservation laws.More details here
Sundarbans IMMA (Marine Mammal Habitat) Focuses on aquatic mammals such as the endangered Ganges River dolphin (~225 individuals) and Irrawaddy dolphin (~451 individuals), underscoring their global population significance in the Sundarbans.Discover the research
Hassle free booking. Very reasonable price.excellent services by staff. Resort selected was amazing.
Sandhya BhideDecember 17, 2022
We two families went for sundorbon tour from 10 to 12 Dec 2022. The tour was arranged very nicely right pick and drop at sealdah. Hospitality ,management and behavior... read more of staff was very good
DEV KUMAR PYNEDecember 17, 2022
I travelled with my family to Sundarbans recently..While the tour itinerary was clearly called out, the service also matched good standards..If you are someone who likes home cooked simple... read more food with rustic touch...You're at a right place..Being at a place which is remote, Dinner variety options may be limited but enough to satisfy you..I had Aged people n kid travelling with me and they were taken good care..The accommodation & boat ride were very comforting n all the staffs, tour guide were helpful..I will recommend them to Families, friends for sure.
Arunima RoyMarch 11, 2023
Well done nice arrangement staff very courteous Helpful Hygienic resort keep it up All the best
Dr. Sikka & associatesJanuary 17, 2023
Really it has been a great tour. Thanks to Sonakshi Travels for such a beautiful arrangement right from pick-up to Drop and breakfast to dinner food. It was... read more a 21 heads office tour for two days and one night . Basically, it was a farewell to our General Manager. Ministry of Defence. Government of India. Following may noted for further: Promised were executed 💯% Timely availability of traveler on pick-up point. Food quality and quantity was very good. Comfortable night stay. Room condition was good. Arrangment of Folk dance 💃 was supab. Recommended for the tour.
Umesh PaswanJanuary 17, 2023
I would like to convey my sincere gratitude & thanks to Suvabrata of SonakshiTravel for providing me & my family members including my son’s family from US an exclusive riverine... read more trip of Sundarban ( 3D&2N).The trip was tailor made for our need.The staff members were very courteous & looked after all the nitty gritty to make the trip a memorable one.The food used to be prepared as per our requests & was relished by all members.The night stay arranged in the 5 star resort was superb and in an hospitable atmosphere.The resort has the added feature of being located in a natural surroundings of flora and fauna. It provided attractive play areas for kids. On top of everything, it was pocket friendly & no hidden cost was involved. Would strongly recommend SonakshiTravel for this riverine trip.
Arun BiswasJanuary 17, 2023
Tour was extreme entertainment. Awesome hospitality of tour operator. Excellent boat service with varieties of food of our own choice. Sincerity, hospitality and services during tour added an extra pleasure
prabhat kumar banerjeeSeptember 17, 2022
superb experience every step of the way. it was our first sunderban trip and we didn't know what to anticipate but we were taken care of right from pickup to... read more end point by professional guides who displayed very courteous behavior. definitely talukdar ji will be my preferred choice for all trips in future as well.
Auditro Hi-Fi SystemsDecember 17, 2022
I have just completed a trip of 3 days 2 nights of Sunderban today with Sonakshi travels. I am extremely happy to share my reviews that Sonakshi travels... read more are very well organised to set up this Sunderban tour in terms of fooding lodging and irrespective every things which relates to this particular tour. Me and my family has a mind blowing experience. Thanks Subhabrata Talukdar to you and to your team for giving us a memorable experience.
Sagar BanerjeeJanuary 17, 2023
We are fully satisfied .Your arrangement is so good that there is no point of dissatisfaction on the trip. The boys managed properly and well behaved.
Partha Sarathi MajumderFebruary 17, 2023
I travelled to Sunderban during 3rd to 5th December, 2021 along with my other 3 family members. In view of the threat of cyclone “Jawad” during that period, Sonakshi Travels... read more customised their programme for our convenience at their best. The boat waiting for us at Gadkhali was decent, neat & clean. The cooperation and helpful gesture of the Boatman Bapibabu and crew Pulak charmed us. The trip through the creeks and distributaries of the rivers of Sunderban became more enjoyable with the excellent taste of food cooked by Bhaskar in the running boat. The property named “Sabuj Dwip” under Lahiripur Gram Panchayat where we were parked at the day-end, was a resort having cottages with clean Rooms, modern Bathrooms & standard amenities including Generator along with a few shortfalls like lack of Geyser, AC, Toilet-shower, Kitchen/Kitchenet, Waste paper bin, Wall Hangers etc., though all such lacuna were covered by the sincere and hearty efforts of the servicemen. The owner may solve these minor problems by purchasing items of trivial value like Emersion Heater, Toilet-shower, Electric Cattle, Waste paper basket & Wall hangers. On 5th December, when the cyclone turned its face to Sunderban, the superb teamwork of Sonakshi rescued us through an alternative safe land-route maintaining our all urbane comfort upto the satisfaction. The courteous behaviour and delicious tasty food are the value-added satisfaction of this trip over the honest, humble and sincere approach of the owner Shuvabratababu which is highly appreciable. I highly recommend Sunderban Trip through this Travels.
Snehansu GangopadhyayMarch 17, 2022
Experience of Sundarban tour with Sonakshi Travel was a nice experience indeed. The driver, the tour manager and the support staffs were very friendly and cooperative. And also the other... read more members of the group were also very social and supportive. Thanks for gifting a pleasant memory for a long time.
Biplab SarkarJanuary 17, 2023
Sonakshi Travels made the Sundarban trip comfortable and easier than expected. Very helpful and courteous staff members with on time service and super delicious food. The staff members took personal... read more care of every group member as per the need, especially the elderly ones. I travelled with the parents and the staff members made the trip super comfortable for them as well. Thanks to each one of them!! 😊🙏 Would highly recommend Sonakshi Travels for the Sundarban trip.
Shuchita MitraMarch 17, 2022
We had a very good time with Sonakshi Travels during our entire tour from 27th to 29 th December in Sunderban. The behavior, punctuality and overall service of the accompanying... read more staff is always up to the mark. Thank you all.
Rupak BhattacharjeeJanuary 17, 2023
Awesome n unique place looking very difficult to visit but Sonakshi Travels made our tour very easy n comfortable. Also resort was also the best 👍👍. All supporting staff on... read more boat as well as car was also good. We thank you very much and want to refer in future to our friends n relatives.
K. MadhuNovember 17, 2022
Traveled on 29th December 2022 with family. Wonderful experience. Recommend the overnight stay at 3 Star instead of cheaper accommodation. Food is home-cooked and awesome... INNOVA horn needs to be... read more dismantled as the driver uses it impulsively :) Definitely recommended...
Indraneil GhoshJanuary 17, 2023
Excellent service , superb hospitality at low budget. Surely value for money.
Dipanjan BiswasMarch 17, 2022
It was amazing to be in Sundarban with my colleagues under Sonakshi Travels very recently...on the behalf of my team i would like to thank the travels...everything like food,service, rooms,hospitality... read more was excellent..inspite some language problem staff were very very humble n cooperative n always willing to serve to our satisfaction...i surely will recommend my friends/ relatives to visit the place once in lifetime through Sonakshi Travels...🙏🙏🙏
Munna DewanJanuary 17, 2023
On 13 th November, 2021 we 4 members went for 2 days 1 night package. Service was quite good. We didn't face any issues, things moved quite smoothly. I strongly... read more recommend their package
Sanghita RoyMarch 17, 2022
Could have earned a 5 star rating but small issues prevent Sonakshi from earning a perfect score. I shall give you 8.5 out of 10. My scoring: 1. Arrangements &... read more tour confirmation 7/10. I paid advance for booking after checking the availability. But after making the payment, I was informed the required dates are not available and I had to change my dates. Communication of programs are also not up to the mark. 2. Transfer from Kolkata to Gadkhali & Return 8/10. Onward journey driver was new and not carrying proper documents for Vehicle. Stuck at Ghatakpukur for more than 30 minutes in a police checking. Return journey was better but the vehicle given was too old. 3. Boat Arrangements from Gadkhali 10/10. Good & comfortable. Well decorated boat with well behaved staffs. 4. Accommodation 10/10. Very good place selection and enjoyed the staying. This point you will get a bonus point. 5. Food 8/10. First day lunch was awesome but next meals were just below par. Lacking variety. I came to know few other agencies are offering more variants in their service. Finally thanks to all your staffs in the boat and in the hotel. Specially mentioning Tapas, Bapi, your cook and Subrata for their service.
Sibagi GhoshMarch 17, 2022