The Sundarbans, a World Heritage site, is composed of three wildlife sanctuaries, namely the Sundarban East Wildlife Sanctuary, Sundarban South Wildlife Sanctuary and Sundarban West Wildlife Sanctuary. The total area of the Sundarbans is 5772.85 SQ. km. The forest occupies 4016.85 so.km of land while rivers, canals and channels occupy 1756 SQ, km. A complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats and small islands with salt-tolerant mangrove forest, make up the three sanctuaries. The area has been recognized globally for its importance as a reservoir of biodiversity.