Wildlife and ecoturism in West Bengal

West Bengal’s wild life offers a fascinating diversity of terrain, Flora and Fauna. It is a delight for nature lovers. It is the home to the World Heritage Site – Sundarbans.

Sundarbans owes its name to the Sundari trees which is found in abundance in this area. The Sunderbans harbors jungle cats, fishing cats, Axis deer, wild boar, Rhesus monkeys, mongooses and the largest estuarine crocodiles in the world. It is the breeding ground for a large number of birds like the Heron, Egret, Cormorant, Fishing Eagle, White Bellied Sea Eagle, Seagull, Tern, Kingfisher as well as migratory birds like Whimprel, Black-tailed Godwit, Little Stint, Eastern Knot, Curlew, Sandpiper, Golden Plover, Pintail, White-eyed Pochard and also Whistling teal. Here, one can discover a wide variety of aquatic and reptile life forms such as the Olive Ridley sea turtle, hard-shelled Batgur Terrapin, Pythons, King cobra, Chequered killback, Monitor and lizards including the Salvatore lizards. In addition to the Bengal tiger, the Sundarbans host many other endangered species like the Ganges River Dolphin, river terrapin, estuarine crocodile etc. The mangrove forest also acts as a natural fish nursery, supporting coastal fishes along the Bay of Bengal. Wildlife and ecoturism in West Bengal

The forested area of Northern West Bengal presents overabundance wildlife. Here a land that stretches for 130 kms allows nature to lavish all her boundaries. A lot of wildlife can also be found in the Dooars. Jaldapara Wild Life Sanctuary situated in Alipurduar Sub-Division of Jalpaiguri District in West Bengal is about 124 km from Siliguri. This sanctuary was constituted for the protection of Wild Life, particularly one-horned rhinos, an animal threatened with extinction. The forest is mainly savannah covered with tall elephant Grasses. The wild life, in addition to one-horned rhinos, consists of Royal Bengal Tigers, wild elephants, deer, sambhar, barking deer, spotted deer and hog deer, wild pig, bisons and a number of birds, pea fowls. Elephant safaris can be enjoyed at the Sanctuary.

There are five national parks in the state — Sundarbans National Park, Buxa Tiger Reserve, Gorumara National Park, Neora Valley National Park and Singalila National Park. Wildlife includes the Indian rhinoceros, Indian elephants, deer, bison, leopards, gaur, and crocodiles. The state is also rich in bird life. Migratory birds come to the state during the winter. The high altitude forests like Singalila National Park shelter barking deer, red panda, chinkara, takin, serow, pangolin, minivet and Kalij pheasants. Wildlife in these Protected Areas includes the Indian rhinoceros, Indian elephants, deer, bison, leopards, gaur, and crocodiles. The state is also rich in bird life. The high altitude forests like Singalila National Park shelter barking deer, red panda, chinkara, takin, serow, pangolin, minivet and Kalij pheasants.

Name of Sanctuary, Year of Notification and Total Area

S.No.	Name of Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS)	State	Established Year	Area (In km²)
1	Ballavpur WLS	West Bengal	1977	2.02
2	Bethuadahari WLS	West Bengal	1980	0.67
3	Bibhuti Bhusan WLS	West Bengal	1980	0.64
4	Buxa WLS	West Bengal	1986	267.92
5	Chapramari WLS	West Bengal	1976	9.6
6	Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary	West Bengal	1982	0.07
7	Haliday Island WLS	West Bengal	1976	5.95
8	Jorepokhri Salamander WLS	West Bengal	1985	0.04
9	Lothian Island WLS	West Bengal	1976	38
10	Mahananda WLS	West Bengal	1976	158.04
11	Raiganj WLS	West Bengal	1985	1.3
12	Ramnabagan WLS	West Bengal	1981	0.14
13	Sajnakhali WLS	West Bengal	1976	362.4
14	Senchal WLS	West Bengal	1976	38.88
15	West Sunderban WLS	West Bengal	2013	556.45

Name of National Parks, Year of Notification and Total Area

S. No.	Name of National Park	Year of Notification	Total Area(km²)
1	Buxa National Park	1992	117.10
2	Gorumara National Park	1992	79.45
3	Neora Valley National Park	1986	159.89
4	Singalila National Park	1986	78.60
5	Sunderban National Park	1984	1330.10

Jaldapara National Park

2014

216.51

West Bengal is a state in eastern India that is home to a diverse range of wildlife. The state’s many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries protect a wide variety of animals, including tigers, elephants, rhinoceroses, and deer. West Bengal is also home to a number of important bird habitats, including the Sundarbans National Park, which is the largest mangrove forest in the world.

Ecotourism is a form of tourism that focuses on the conservation of natural Resources and the well-being of local communities. Ecotourism can be a valuable tool for promoting Sustainable Development and protecting the Environment. In West Bengal, ecotourism is a growing Industry that is helping to conserve the state’s rich natural heritage.

There are a number of ways to experience ecotourism in West Bengal. One popular option is to visit one of the state’s many national parks or wildlife sanctuaries. These parks offer visitors the chance to see some of India’s most iconic wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and rhinoceroses. Visitors can also go on guided nature walks, learn about the local flora and fauna, and support conservation efforts.

Another way to experience ecotourism in West Bengal is to visit one of the state’s many bird sanctuaries. These sanctuaries are home to a wide variety of birds, including migratory birds from all over the world. Visitors can go on birdwatching tours, learn about the local birdlife, and support conservation efforts.

Ecotourism can be a rewarding experience for both visitors and local communities. It can help to raise awareness about the importance of conservation, provide economic benefits to local communities, and promote sustainable development. If you are looking for an unforgettable travel experience, consider ecotourism in West Bengal.

Here are some of the benefits of ecotourism:

Ecotourism can help to conserve Natural Resources. When tourists visit national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, they help to generate revenue that can be used to fund conservation efforts.
Ecotourism can help to promote sustainable development. Ecotourism businesses often use sustainable practices, such as using RENEWABLE ENERGY and recycling.
Ecotourism can help to improve the lives of local communities. Ecotourism businesses can provide jobs and income for local people.
Ecotourism can help to raise awareness about environmental issues. When tourists visit natural areas, they learn about the importance of conservation and the threats facing the environment.

If you are interested in ecotourism, there are a few things you can do to make sure you have a positive impact on the environment and the local community. First, choose a tour operator that is committed to sustainability. Second, follow the guidelines of the local park or sanctuary. Third, respect the local culture and customs. Fourth, leave no trace of your visit.

Ecotourism can be a great way to experience the natural beauty of West Bengal and support conservation efforts. By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your ecotourism experience is both enjoyable and sustainable.

What is wildlife?

Wildlife is the collective term for all non-domesticated Plants and animals. It includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and plants.

What is ecotourism?

Ecotourism is a type of tourism that focuses on the natural environment and the well-being of the local people. It aims to minimize the negative impact of tourism on the environment and to provide economic benefits to the local community.

What are the benefits of wildlife and ecotourism?

Wildlife and ecotourism can provide a number of benefits, including:

Economic benefits: Wildlife and ecotourism can generate income for local communities through activities such as tourism, hunting, and fishing.
Conservation benefits: Wildlife and ecotourism can help to protect endangered species and their habitats.
Educational benefits: Wildlife and ecotourism can provide opportunities for people to learn about the natural world and the importance of conservation.
Social benefits: Wildlife and ecotourism can help to promote understanding and Tolerance between different cultures.

What are the challenges of wildlife and ecotourism?

Wildlife and ecotourism can also face a number of challenges, including:

Habitat loss: Habitat loss is a major threat to wildlife. As human populations grow, they encroach on natural areas, destroying habitats and displacing wildlife.
Overexploitation: Overexploitation is another major threat to wildlife. This can occur through hunting, fishing, or the collection of plants or animals for commercial purposes.
Pollution: Pollution can also harm wildlife. This can occur through Air Pollution, Water Pollution, or land pollution.
Climate change: Climate Change is a major threat to wildlife. As the climate changes, some species may not be able to adapt and may become extinct.

What can be done to address the challenges of wildlife and ecotourism?

There are a number of things that can be done to address the challenges of wildlife and ecotourism, including:

Protecting habitats: One of the most important things that can be done to protect wildlife is to protect their habitats. This can be done through a variety of measures, such as establishing protected areas, creating buffer zones around protected areas, and reducing deforestation.
Regulating hunting and fishing: Hunting and fishing can be regulated to ensure that they do not harm wildlife populations. This can be done through a variety of measures, such as setting quotas, establishing closed seasons, and prohibiting the use of certain hunting methods.
Reducing pollution: Pollution can be reduced through a variety of measures, such as investing in clean energy, improving Waste Management, and reducing emissions from vehicles and factories.
Addressing climate change: Climate change can be addressed through a variety of measures, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in renewable energy, and planting trees.

What is the future of wildlife and ecotourism?

The future of wildlife and ecotourism is uncertain. The challenges that wildlife and ecotourism face are significant, but there are also a number of things that can be done to address these challenges. The future of wildlife and ecotourism will depend on the actions that we take to protect the natural world.

Which of the following is not a national park in West Bengal?
(A) Sundarbans National Park
(B) Kaziranga National Park
(C) Jaldapara National Park
(D) Buxa Tiger Reserve
Which of the following is not a wildlife sanctuary in West Bengal?
(A) Singalila National Park
(B) Neora Valley National Park
(C) Gorumara National Park
(D) Dooars Tiger Reserve
Which of the following is not a tiger reserve in West Bengal?
(A) Sundarbans National Park
(B) Kaziranga National Park
(C) Jaldapara National Park
(D) Buxa Tiger Reserve
Which of the following is not a bird sanctuary in West Bengal?
(A) Sunderbans National Park
(B) Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary
(C) Gorumara National Park
(D) Dooars Tiger Reserve
Which of the following is not a national heritage site in West Bengal?
(A) Victoria Memorial Hall
(B) Howrah Bridge
(C) The Marble Palace
(D) The Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Which of the following is not a world heritage site in West Bengal?
(A) The Sundarbans
(B) The Kaziranga National Park
(C) The Jaldapara National Park
(D) The Buxa Tiger Reserve
Which of the following is not a famous tourist destination in West Bengal?
(A) The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
(B) The Ganges River
(C) The Sundarbans
(D) The Kaziranga National Park
Which of the following is not a famous festival in West Bengal?
(A) The Durga puja
(B) The Kali Puja
(C) The Rath Yatra
(D) The Holi
Which of the following is not a famous dish from West Bengal?
(A) The Mishti Doi
(B) The Rasgulla
(C) The Sandesh
(D) The Biryani
Which of the following is not a famous person from West Bengal?
(A) Rabindranath Tagore
(B) Satyajit Ray
(C) Amartya Sen
(D) Indira Gandhi