Sundarbans became India’s second largest tiger reserve

Why in News?

• On 19 August 2025, Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (West Bengal) became India’s 2nd largest tiger reserve, after the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (Andhra Pradesh).

Key Facts

• Approval → By Standing Committee of the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL), chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav.
• Expansion →
  • Added 1,044.68 sq km from South 24 Parganas (Matla, Raidighi, Ramganga ranges).
  • Total area: 3,629.57 sq km (up from ~2,585 sq km).
• Tiger Numbers (latest census):
  • 101 tigers in Sundarbans (80 inside STR + 21 in adjoining forests).
• Rank in Size (India):
  • #1 → Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (3,727.82 sq km).
  • #2 → Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (3,629.57 sq km).
• Ecological Importance:
  • World’s largest mangrove forest (India + Bangladesh).
  • Only mangrove ecosystem with a significant tiger population.
  • Declared UNESCO World Heritage Site + UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (MAB Programme).
  • Named after the Sundari tree (Heritiera fomes).

Benefits of Expansion

• Brings all tiger-bearing mangrove forests under unified STR command.
• Ensures uniform implementation of NTCA guidelines.
• Improves monitoring, anti-poaching measures, and ecological management.

(Source: DTE)