Training & Workshop Tender
Introduction
Tiger Census
Multilateral Agreements
Management of Sundarban
S B R
Man-Animal Conflict
G I S
Administration
People & Cultural
Trans-boundary ecosystem
S B R I C
Budget & Funding
Problems & Critical Issues
Eco Development & JFM
UNDP Project
The Flora
The Fauna
Eco Tourism
Research
Contact Us
F A Q
FeedBack
Sundarban Biosphere Resource Information Centre
SBRIC has following sections:
   
Floral Resource Section  
Faunal Resource Section  
Library-cum-Data Bank  
Photo gallery  
Multimedia Centre  

FAUNAL RESOURCE SECTION

  This section of the Information Centre enables one to discover and closely observe the faunal richness and diversity in Sundarban.

  The zoological specimens have been collected from different regions like tidal creeks, muddy banks, tidal flats, sandy shores, etc. of the Sundarban region.

  The collected specimens have been preserved scientifically and kept for display.

  The specimens have been systematically categorized as Invertebrates and Vertebrates.

Invertebrate Faunal Resources :

A variety of Cnidarians like Sea Anemones and Sea pens have been displayed in specimen jars.

Sundarban is rich in Molluscan diversity. This is evident from the variety of molluscan species like Anadora , Macoma , Telescopium , Sepia , Loligo, etc. Besides, one will be delighted to discover a large number of colourful dried molluscan shells.

The large Oyster colony, which serves as an indicator of potential fishing zone, is a remarkable collection.

Crustaceans include Crabs, Squilla, Prawn and Shrimps . Varieties of crabs like the most commonly sighted Fiddler crab, Red crab, Hermit crab, Tree crab, Mud crab are displayed in specimen jars. Above all, one gets the rare opportunity to discover the two varieties of the endangered living fossil Horse-shoe Crab, which are found in Sundarban.

The viewer will be charmed by the display of the colourful winged wonders of Sundarban. This includes the beautiful Butterflies and Moths that have been well preserved and mounted in dried condition.

Other gems of the insect world of Sundarban on display includes Grasshoppers, Locusts, Dragon flies and Damselflies, Bugs, Beetles , Cicadas , Preying Mantide etc. The Honey bee and the Wasp are added attractions.

Nature's piece of Architecture has been highlighted through the display of a large Wasp nest .

Some major fearful spiders sighted in Sundarban have been preserved for display.

Starfishes , known for their delicate peculiar morphology reminds one of the marine environments.

 

Vertebrate Faunal Resources:

 

Sundarban is the repository of marine, estuarine, coastal and freshwater Fishes . One is fascinated to discover the varied number of fishes like Sharks (Indian Dog Shark, Hammer-headed Shark, Sorrah Shark, Bull Shark, Zebra Shark), Eels, Electric Rays, Sucker Fish, Moon Fish, Puffer Fish etc preserved and displayed in aquariums and specimen jars. Some of the common edible and commercial fishes displayed like Hilsa , Setipinna , Anabas , Black Pomphret etc. are a feast for eyes.

The display of the ' amphibious mud-skipper' such as Periopthalmus and Boleopthalmus , typical of the Sundarban ecosystem are noteworthy.

The Amphibian group viz. Frogs and Toads like Common Indian Toad, Indian Bull Frog etc. have been preserved in specimen jars. These little queer looking creatures play a role in maintaining the ecological balance.

A nature lover and a curious visitor finds interest in the display of 'preserved eggs' of endangered species, like Estuarine Crocodile and Olive Ridley Turtle along with its hatchlings.

The display of skulls and bones of the Olive Ridley Turtle enriches the collection.

Sundarban has a rich variety of freshwater and sea turtles. The two vulnerable species Ganges Soft-shelled Turtle and Southern Soft-shelled Turtle have been kept in an aquarium for viewing.

Display of Poisonous and non-poisonous species of Snakes like Krait , Cobra , Tree snake , Water snake etc. with their cold glassy stare fascinate a visitor.

One gets the chance to follow the trail of footprints, left by the fearful beast - the Royal Bengal Tiger of Sundarban. No need to be afraid! The footprints are just a plaster cast of pugmarks showing male / female identifying features along with their approximate age profile.

 

 

Best view resolution : 1024 x 768

Copyright ©2006 Sundarban Biosphere Reserve