Reptiles of Sundarban

The Sundarbans, the largest tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world, is home to an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. Spread across India and Bangladesh, this site is not just famous for the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger but also for its rich reptilian biodiversity. The interwoven network of saline waters, mudflats, dense mangroves, and freshwater channels create a unique habitat for numerous reptilian species. Many of these species are apex predators in their respective ecological niches, while others play crucial roles in maintaining the ecosystem’s delicate balance.

Below is a carefully curated list of reptiles found in the Sundarbans, categorized for easy reference.

List of Reptiles in Sundarbans

1. Crocodilians (Order: Crocodylia)

• Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) – The largest living reptile and a dominant predator in the Sundarbans, capable of growing over 6 meters.
• Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) – Though more commonly found in freshwater habitats, a few individuals have been spotted in brackish areas.

2. Turtles and Tortoises (Order: Testudines)

• Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) – A seasonal visitor to the estuarine waters for nesting.
• Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) – Occasionally sighted in the coastal waters of the Sundarbans.
• Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) – Less frequently recorded but known to inhabit these waters.
• Indian Roofed Turtle (Pangshura tecta) – Found in the freshwater and brackish environments of the delta.
• Indian Flapshell Turtle (Lissemys punctata) – Another freshwater species that has adapted to the marshes of Sundarbans.

3. Snakes (Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes)

Venomous Snakes

• King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) – The world’s longest venomous snake, found in dense mangroves.
• Spectacled Cobra (Naja naja) – A common species, occasionally spotted near human settlements.
• Monocled Cobra (Naja kaouthia) – Prefers the swampy regions of Sundarbans.
• Banded Krait (Bungarus fasciatus) – A highly venomous but elusive snake.
• Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus) – Nocturnal and deadly, often found in muddy areas.
• Russell’s Viper (Daboia russelii) – Rare but highly venomous, inhabiting drier parts of the delta.
• Saw-scaled Viper (Echis carinatus) – Found in some sandy patches of the Sundarbans.

Non-Venomous Snakes

• Indian Rock Python (Python molurus) – A large constrictor that preys on small mammals and birds.
• Checkered Keelback (Xenochrophis piscator) – A common water snake that thrives in the rivers and estuaries.
• Dog-faced Water Snake (Cerberus rynchops) – A semi-aquatic species often seen in brackish waters.
• Yellow-bellied Sea Snake (Hydrophis platurus) – A pelagic species that sometimes enters the delta.
• Beaked Sea Snake (Enhydrina schistosa) – One of the most venomous sea snakes, frequently found in the Sundarbans’ coastal waters.

4. Lizards (Order: Squamata, Suborder: Lacertilia)

• Water Monitor Lizard (Varanus salvator) – One of the largest lizards in the region, an opportunistic predator.
• Bengal Monitor Lizard (Varanus bengalensis) – A terrestrial species found in drier parts of the Sundarbans.
• Oriental Garden Lizard (Calotes versicolor) – A small, arboreal lizard often seen near forest edges.
• Common House Gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) – Though mainly urban, it is sometimes found in forest camps and villages.

The Sundarbans is a haven for reptilian biodiversity, with its dense mangroves providing a crucial habitat for these cold-blooded creatures. However, increasing habitat destruction, climate change, and human encroachment pose serious threats to these species. Conservation efforts are crucial to maintaining the delicate ecological balance of this unique ecosystem. As explorers and wildlife enthusiasts, it is our responsibility to protect and study these fascinating reptiles, ensuring that future generations can witness their remarkable existence in the wild.