What is the Sundarbans National Park and why is it significant?

The Sundarbans National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the delta region of the Bay of Bengal, shared by India and Bangladesh. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and covers an area of approximately 10,000 square kilometers. The park is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including the Bengal tiger, estuarine crocodile, Indian python, and spotted deer.

The Sundarbans National Park is significant for several reasons. First, it serves as a critical habitat for many endangered species, including the Royal Bengal tiger. It is estimated that there are less than 2,500 of these tigers left in the world, and the Sundarbans is one of the last strongholds for this species. Second, the Sundarbans is an important carbon sink, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. The park's mangrove trees absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, the Sundarbans is a major source of livelihood for the local population, who rely on the forest's resources for fishing and timber.