Moment of majesty: My first encounter with Bengal Tiger in Sundarban

On 13 August 2024, during my 26th official journey to Sundarban, a dream that had eluded me for years finally came true -- I saw the Bengal Tiger in its natural habitat. 

My journey to Sundarban began in 2017, and from the very first trip, I was captivated by the vastness of this incredible ecosystem. 

Over the years, I had the pleasure of observing various wildlife, from the graceful deer to the playful monkeys, the vivid red crabs, and an array of birds. 

Yet, each time, the elusive tiger remained out of sight, despite frequent encounters with its pugmarks and the distant echo of its roar.

For seven years, I ventured deeper into Sundarban, each time hoping to witness the tiger in all its glory. 

I often heard thrilling stories of its immense power, its hunting prowess, and even its occasional encounters with humans. 

These tales of the tiger, along with its reputation as a fearsome predator, filled me with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. 

Every time I worked in different areas of the Sundarban, there was always a sense of cautious anticipation. 

I followed reports closely – tigers crossing rivers, being spotted by other teams – and secretly fantasised about my own encounter. 

I would jokingly remark, "Why doesn't the tiger come out of the jungle for us, pose for a photo, and give us a memorable moment?"

As time passed, my hope began to wane. 

Last year, one of our staff members, who had worked in the Sundarban for years, remarked that he had never seen a tiger despite his experience. I began to wonder if I would ever have the chance. 

But fate had a surprise in store for me.

On that fateful day in August, we were traveling from Akram Point to Sutarkhali, navigating the waters of the Shibsa River. 

Suddenly, one of our team members shouted, "Tiger, tiger!" 

My heart raced as I looked toward the riverbank, and there it was – sitting majestically by the water's edge, a full-grown Royal Bengal Tiger. 

I hurried to grab my camera, but in my haste, I realised the battery had been left charging. 

My hands shook as I quickly fixed the issue, but by the time I was ready, the tiger had disappeared into the dense forest. 

Disappointment washed over me as I thought I had lost my chance to capture this moment forever.

Then, someone in our group shouted that the tiger could still be seen moving cautiously through the jungle. 

With renewed hope, I raised my camera and took 156 photos, desperate to capture even the smallest glimpse of this magnificent animal. 

As I reviewed the shots, I found three that showed the tiger's full body and 23 that captured parts of it. 

It was an exhilarating moment, and I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of gratitude to finally witness the tiger in all its royal splendor.

The tiger I saw was a mature male, standing nearly six feet tall and measuring five to six feet in length. 

Its powerful frame and regal face left a lasting impression on me. 

Seeing the Bengal Tiger in Bangladesh's Sundarban is a privilege not many experiences, and I am deeply thankful for this rare opportunity.

This encounter reminded me that nature's wonders often unfold when least expected, and the beauty of the Sundarban lies in its untamed, unpredictable essence. 

The Bengal Tiger, a symbol of strength and grace, continues to roam these forests, a testament to the wild spirit of this unique ecosystem.

Tanver Ahammad is a forest and environmental specialist, CEGIS.