| 1 | Mangrove fauna of Sunderbans: Ecological features and utilisation The ecological features of mangrove environment, with particular reference to Sunderbans, West Bengal, India and efforts taken by both, national and international agencies for preservation of diversity of plants and animals from this unique environment has been described. Common insects, molluscs crustaceans, annelids, reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals are commonly found in Sunderbans ecosystem. The tidal creeks, canals and lagoons of Sunderbans continuously supply an enormous quantity of fishes and other crustaceans. This has helped in all round economic development. The culturable fishes, mullets and tiger shrimps are cultured in about 2,500 small to large-sized brackishwater fishery farms. The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) expressed the need for conservation of some endangered mangrove fauna like Batagur baska, Chelonia mydas, Lepidochelys olivacea, etc. Strict rules are imposed with the initiation of 'Tiger Reserve Project', and 'Crocodile Breeding and Rearing Project' in the Indian Sunderbans Source: Dehadrai, P.V. Conservation of mangrove forest genetic resources: A training manual. Deshmukh, S.V. ; Balaji, V. eds. 1994; 287-293. 0850.
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