Deer poaching persists in Sundarbans despite population growth

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 a survey conducted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in December 2023, the deer population in the forest stands at 1,36,604, up from 83,000 recorded in 2004.

However, conservation activists 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 said that several drives in recent times have led to the arrest of a number of individuals, along with 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, and Paikgachha in Khulna, Shyamnagar in Satkhira, and Mongla and Shoronkhola in Bagerhat.

Local residents alleged that over 150 organised poaching groups remain active in the Sundarbans area.

Poachers often enter the forest in the guise of fishermen, carrying ropes to set traps along animal walkways.

Animals caught in these traps are slaughtered inside the forest, while the meat is transported to local bazaars, 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 is sold at Tk600–700, whereas it is sold in districts at Tk1,000 to Tk2,000.

A live deer can fetch between Tk15,000 and Tk20,000.

Environmentalists warned that deer, being the main prey 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 said it is necessary to create alternative employment for villagers who are dependent on the Sundarbans to curb wildlife crimes.

Forest officials, however, said that surveillance and patrolling have been intensified to prevent forest crimes.

Divisional Forest Officers of both the eastern and western zones of the Sundarbans, Rezaul Karim Chowdhury and AZM Hasanur Rahman, told BSS that special vigilance is being maintained, particularly during the ongoing honey collection season, which began on April 1.

They also acknowledged manpower shortages but said efforts are underway to strengthen enforcement.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Coast Guard, are continuing drives to prevent poaching, smuggling, and other illegal activities in the forest and adjacent coastal areas.

Imran Ahmed, conservator of Forests in Khulna, told BSS that foresters and guards are always active in curbing wildlife crimes, arresting poachers and smugglers, and have seized a large number of deer traps in recent months.

They have also arrested illegal intruders, including fishermen, mowals, and bawalis, and seized harmful fishing equipment, including pesticides and current nets, from their possession.

He, however, said that although poachers are active, their number is now very low due to massive initiatives by the Forest Department, adding that many poachers have been arrested and traps seized through strict action.

State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr Sheikh Faridul Islam said protecting the Sundarbans and its wildlife is a national responsibility and warned of stern action against anyone found involved in forest crimes, including officials.