Bangladeshis tackle Sunderbans oil spill with sponges

Video caption, The oil is threatening the Bangladeshi part of the world's largest mangrove forest

Villagers in Bangladesh, South-East Asia, have used pots, pans and sponges to help clear thousands of litres of oil, three days after it spilled into a nature reserve.

The oil spilled after a tanker carrying 350,000 litres collided with another vessel, spreading the oil across nearly 40 miles of waterways.

Footage shows villagers scooping oil from rivers and birds covered in black liquid in the Sundarbans area.

Image source, AFP/World Conservation Society

Image caption, Villagers have been asked to help the government clear the spill

The Sunderbans is a Unesco heritage site, which means it is an area of great importance.

Its mangrove forest and rivers are home to a huge number of plant and animal life, much of it unique to the area.

The oil leaked into the river at a sanctuary for rare dolphins.

Image source, AFP

Image caption, A thick, black sheen spread in the days after the tanker crash, covering nearly 40 miles of waterways

Experts say the impact on wildlife could be devastating.

But government officials say they still cannot give a prediction of how much damage has been caused.