Khulna: The government has unveiled a strategy to enhance the Royal Bengal Tiger population in the Sundarbans by 25 percent over the next decade. This initiative comes just ahead of International Tiger Day, which is set to be observed tomorrow.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Sundarbans, recognized as the world’s largest mangrove forest, has been witnessing a decline in its tiger population due to threats such as climate change and human activities. The tiger count has dropped from 440 in 2004 to 106 in 2015. However, a recent survey by the Forest Department revealed an increase, with 125 tigers recorded in 2023-24, up from 114 in 2018. Notably, the survey did not account for cubs and deceased tigers due to data limitations.
Between 2018 and 2024, nine tigers were reported dead, and two skins were recovered. The 2023-24 survey also did not include 21 cubs. Environment Ministry adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan highlighted at a press conference that the current tiger density is 2.64 per 100 square kilometers, showing an improvement from 2.17 in 2015 when the first modern camera-trapping survey was conducted.
Over 318 days, a total of 1,210 cameras were deployed across 605 grids in the Satkhira, Khulna, Chandpai, and Sharankhola ranges, capturing a record 7,297 tiger photos. Many cubs were observed but were excluded from the count due to high mortality rates. Experts have expressed concerns over the vulnerability of tigers, citing factors such as climate change, prey reduction, poaching, and insufficient protection.
Tomorrow, Global Tiger Day will be marked with the theme “Increase Tiger Population, Enrich the Sundarbans.” The interim government’s conservation efforts have reportedly led to a slight increase in tiger numbers. Despite these gains, wildlife experts and enthusiasts stress the urgent need for enhanced protective measures. The Forest Department has reiterated its dedication to achieving conservation targets.
Experts and conservationists agree that tigers are critical to the Sundarbans’ ecosystem. They emphasize the necessity of minimizing human interference to ensure tiger survival, alongside addressing climate-related threats.
Professor Anwarul Kadir, Director of the Sundarbans Academy, speaking to BSS, highlighted the dual threats from illegal poachers and climate change. He called for a comprehensive approach to tackle these issues, strengthen forest security, and enhance research initiatives.
Dr. Abdullah Harun Chowdhury, an Environmental Science professor at Khulna University, underscored the severe impact of climate change on tigers and other wildlife. He noted the favorable breeding environment in the Sundarbans but warned against poaching, which poses a significant threat. He urged increased vigilance from both the Forest Department and law enforcement agencies and recommended restricting human access to sanctuary zones to support conservation efforts.
Imran Ahmed, Forest Conservator of the Khulna region, expressed concerns over the declining deer population, the primary prey for tigers. He outlined ongoing efforts to boost the tiger population by 25 percent in the coming years. The interim government has implemented various measures, including building earthen forts for storm protection, erecting nylon fences to prevent tigers from entering villages, and raising public awareness about tiger conservation.
To further safeguard the endangered species, over half of the Sundarbans (53.52 percent) has been designated as a protected area, prohibiting resource extraction. A 60-kilometer nylon fence is being constructed to minimize human-tiger conflicts, and 12 raised earthen shelters have been established within the forest to protect wildlife during storms.