Sundarbans tiger population rises to 125, up by 19 in a decade

The number of Royal Bengal Tigers in the Sundarbans has increased by 19 over the past decade, reaching 125, according to the latest tiger census.

"In 2014, the Sundarbans was home to 106 tigers. This rose to 114 in the 2018 survey, and the most recent count in 2024 shows the population has reached 125," said Chief Conservator of Forests Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury at an event held today (29 July) at the Forest Department headquarters in Agargaon to mark World Tiger Day 2025.

This year's global observance is themed "Harmonious Coexistence Between Humans and Tigers."

Despite the modest rise in numbers, speakers at the event warned that tigers in the Sundarbans remain under serious threat due to persistent poaching and the degradation of their natural habitat.

Wildlife expert and former principal of Dubai Safari Park, Mohammad Ali Reza Khan, emphasised that tiger conservation depends on habitat protection and maintaining a stable deer population, their primary prey. 

Joining the programme virtually as chief guest, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Water Resources, called for stronger action against wildlife traffickers and poachers.

"The tiger is not just a wild animal, it is a national symbol of courage and pride," she said, noting that the nickname 'Tigers' for the national cricket team reflects the nation's deep emotional connection with the animal.

Citing the recent survey findings, she stressed the importance of long-term strategies to stop illegal deer hunting, prevent recurring forest fires, and combat poaching. She also addressed the growing human-tiger conflict, calling for the development of social safety networks for communities living near the forest to reduce dependency on its resources.

She further noted the rise in forest-related crimes, urging authorities to identify the actual traffickers while offering livelihood alternatives to those who may be drawn into forest exploitation out of economic necessity.

The event was chaired by Chief Conservator of Forests Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury, with Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, attending as a special guest.

Other speakers included Md Anwarul Islam, CEO of WildTeam and former professor at Dhaka University; Bipasha Hossain, IUCN Bangladesh Country Representative; M A Aziz, professor at Jahangirnagar University; Imran Ahmed, Conservator of Forests for the Khulna Region; and Md Sanaullah Patwari, Conservator of Forests for Wildlife and Nature Conservation.

Two new publications, Guidelines for Managing Conflict-Prone Tigers in the Sundarbans and Tigers of the Sundarbans, were unveiled at the event. Local artists also performed traditional Pot songs celebrating the forest and its wildlife.