Sundarbans sees increase in tiger population amid conservation efforts

As the world observes Global Tiger Day on Tuesday, forest officials and conservationists in Bangladesh have expressed cautious optimism over a gradual rise in the number of Royal Bengal Tigers in the Sundarbans.

According to the Forest Department, the number of tigers in the Bangladesh part of the Sundarbans has increased from 114 to 125 over the past few years.

The latest camera-trapping survey completed in 2024 confirmed the presence of 125 tigers in the world’s largest mangrove forest.

Officials attribute this increase to a series of conservation measures, including stronger anti-poaching efforts, awareness campaigns among local communities, and improved monitoring by the department in recent years.

Divisional Forest Officer of the Sundarbans West Division, AZM Hasanur Rahman, said the department is implementing various effective strategies to ensure tiger conservation.

“Our multi-faceted actions are already showing positive results. If we can maintain this momentum, the tiger population in the Sundarbans will continue to grow,” he said.

However, experts said the habitat is still not entirely safe for tigers.

They emphasise the need for continued and strengthened efforts to make the forest a fully secure sanctuary for wildlife.

Local fishermen and forest-dependent communities also report increased sightings of tigers and their cubs, particularly in restricted zones currently under seasonal closure.

Molla Moniruzzaman, President of the Peoples’ Forum of Sundarbans Khulna Range, said public awareness campaigns have helped reduce human-tiger conflict.

“People are now more conscious. They no longer kill tigers that stray into villages but instead inform authorities to ensure their safe return,” he said.

Data shows fluctuating tiger numbers over the decades. The first post-independence survey in 1975 recorded 350 tigers. Numbers rose to 440 in 2004 but dropped drastically to 106 in 2015, sparking global concern.

Between 2001 and 2018, at least 50 tigers died, including 25 killed by poachers and 14 beaten to death by locals. Only 10 died of natural causes, according to Forest Department data.

Conservationists say that with continued protection and community cooperation, the Sundarbans can once again become a thriving habitat for the Royal Bengal Tiger – a symbol of Bangladesh’s rich biodiversity.

International Tiger Day is observed every year on July 29. This year, the theme is "Securing the future of Tigers with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities at the heart."

The day aims to unite all tiger range countries in an effort to enhance their conservation and management worldwide.