Sundarbans: Deer poaching continues to pose a serious threat to wildlife in the Sundarbans, despite a significant rise in the population of the species in recent years, according to environmentalists and forest officials. The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage site, hosts more than 300 species of wildlife, with spotted deer being the most commonly sighted animal.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a survey conducted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in December 2023 revealed that the deer population in the forest stands at 1,36,604, up from 83,000 recorded in 2004. However, conservation activists have alleged that illegal hunting of deer continues throughout the year by organized poaching syndicates, sometimes with the support of unscrupulous forest officials. Besides deer, traps laid by poachers also endanger wild boars and even tigers.
Forest Department sources reported that several recent drives have led to the arrest of a number of individuals, along with the seizure of deer meat, skins, and traps from different parts of the forest. Information indicates that people living in forest-adjacent upazilas are largely involved in such activities. The areas include Koyra, Dakop, Paikgachha in Khulna, Shyamnagar in Satkhira, Mongla, and Shoronkhola in Bagerhat. Local residents have alleged that over 150 organized poaching groups remain active in the Sundarbans area.
Poachers often enter the forest disguised as fishermen, carrying ropes to set traps along animal walkways. Animals caught in these traps are slaughtered inside the forest, while meat is transported to the local bazar, and skins and other body parts are preserved for smuggling. Demand for venison reportedly increases during festivals, encouraging poachers to intensify their activities. Locally, venison was sold at Tk 600-700, whereas it sold in districts at Tk 1,000 to 2,000. A live deer can fetch between Tk 15,000 and Tk 20,000.
Environmentalists have warned that deer, being the main food of the Royal Bengal tiger, play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance in the forest. They said the actual scale of poaching is much higher than what is detected through law enforcement drives, as prime smugglers often evade arrest. They also emphasized the need to create alternative employment for villagers who are dependent on the Sundarbans, to curb wildlife crimes.
Forest officials, however, stated that surveillance and patrolling have been intensified to prevent forest crimes. Divisional Forest Officers of both eastern and western zones of the Sundarbans, Rezaul Karim Chowdhury and A Z M Hasanur Rahman, conveyed to BSS that special vigilance is being maintained, particularly during the ongoing honey collection season, which began on April 1. They acknowledged manpower shortages but assured that efforts are underway to strengthen enforcement.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Coast Guard, are continuing a drive to prevent poaching, smuggling, and other illegal activities in the forest and adjacent coastal areas. Imran Ahmed, Conservator of Forest in Khulna, informed BSS that foresters and guards are always active to curb wildlife crimes as well as arrest poachers and smugglers, having seized a substantial number of deer traps in recent months. He also mentioned the arrest of illegal intruders, including fishermen, mowal, and baowali, and the seizure of harmful pesticides and current nets from their possession.
He asserted that although poachers remain active, their numbers have decreased due to the forest department's massive initiatives, resulting in numerous arrests and seizure of traps. State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr Sheikh Faridul Islam emphasized that protecting the Sundarbans and its wildlife is a national responsibility and warned of stern action against anyone found involved in forest crimes, including officials.