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Famous for its Royal Bengal Tiger, Sundarban has a much better story to tell about itself - one that exists today in shadows, silence, and subtlety. As much as tiger might be the star of the roast and the desires of tourists, the real core of the jungle is in the smaller creatures which we might not take much notice to as they help keep the jungle going. The joy of a big cat sighting is only the tip of the iceberg because there is a vast unexplored world full of hidden wildlife that not even the mildly adventurous visitors know much about.
Such a wonder is the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle that sometimes even appears on the coastal fringe of Sundarbans in its breeding season. The sight of these marine turtles is mostly connected with Odisha state, yet its infrequent visitation to Sundarban estuaries creates an ambiance of silence to the variety of life forms. The conservationists have noted occasional nesting especially in the outer southern reaches of the delta.
The Mangrove Horseshoe Crab is another living trace of an ancient biology. This animal was called a living fossil as it (or, to be precise, its appearance) has not changed much during the last 450 million years. It is unique in terms of its dome shaped shell and bright blue blood. The crab is a silent resident of muddy tidal flats and assists in maintaining the balance of coastal food chain, but remains in the background of our attention because of the habits.
High up in the canopy of the forest nestles the rare Brown-winged Kingfisher. This kingfisher occupies closed places unlike its more common relatives. Its drab-brown wings together with fluorescent orange bill give it ideal camouflage in dense mangrove thickets. The time when birdwatchers get to hear its unique call across a smooth creek is a uniqueness that any birdwatcher would not wish to miss.
Still more shy is the Mangrove Whistler, a diminutive song-bird which has a sweet flute note. It is not attractive, and it is difficult to notice but it is crucial in controlling of insects.
Often spotted alone or in pairs, it rewards patient observers with its soothing voice, especially during early morning boat rides.
On the muddy forest floor, you’ll find mudskippers—bizarre, amphibious fish that “walk” on land using their fins. Their ability to live both in and out of water allows them to thrive in the intertidal environment. They’re fun to watch, skipping and leaping across wet mud during low tide.
These lesser-known creatures may not grab headlines, but they are the silent protectors of the Sundarban’s ecological balance. To truly understand this magical forest, one must go beyond the tiger and embrace the hidden heartbeat of the wild.
If you want to visit this wonderful place then get in touch with the Sundarban Mamatamoyee Tour And Travels. You will experience an easy journey with so many out of the box places to visit. So don’t visit Sundarbans some ordinary tour and travel company but somebody with experience about the whole place.