An impenetrable semi-submerged labyrinth of branches, trees and roots that extends for 19 thousand km2, the equivalent of the whole of Puglia: welcome to the Sundarbans (Bangladesh), the largest mangrove forest on the planet and kingdom of the Bengal Tiger. On the occasion of the International Day of Forests, e.GEOS offers images of the Sundarbans, a dense mosaic of sandy islets that characterize the huge delta where 2 of the largest rivers in the region meet and flow into the Pacific Ocean.
A fascinating and mysterious place almost impenetrable to man, which has inspired many the minds of many writers, such as Emilio Salgari who set some of Sandokan’s adventures here, but which is now in danger, threatened above all by climate change and the increase of storms and cyclones. The once dominant mangrove species, locally called Sundari and from which the region takes its name, has now almost completely disappeared due to increased salinity of the waters and deforestation. The forest straddles India and Pakistan and despite being legally protected, the forest is shrinking every year and the small population of Bengal Tigers is also at risk, estimated to not exceed 700 specimens.
Source: Ansa
I am a journalist with over 6 years of experience working in the news industry. I currently work as an author for Global Happenings, and my coverage focuses on Technology news. I have written for various publications, including Reuters, The New York Times and The Guardian.
