Tigers have saved the Sundarbans: Nigel Alan Marven

Sketch: TBS

Nigel Alan Marven is a British wildlife presenter, naturalist and filmmaker, best known for bringing global biodiversity stories to mainstream audiences through landmark television series such as Prehistoric Park, Ten Deadliest Snakes and Wild China. 

With decades of experience documenting endangered species and fragile ecosystems around the world, Marven has increasingly focused on conservation-led storytelling that highlights the role of local communities in protecting nature.

Over the past year, he has visited Bangladesh several times while working on a new documentary, Wild Bangladesh, which explores the country's rich wildlife and conservation efforts. Mahfuz Russel interviewed Nigel on behalf of The Business Standard.

You have visited Bangladesh several times over the past year. What is the reason for your visits?

We are making a new documentary called Wild Bangladesh. It is an extraordinary country — about the size of the UK — but one of the most densely populated in the world, with around 175 million people. The UK has about 65 million, yet even here there is still room for wildlife.

What has impressed me most is meeting people like you who are passionate about saving what remains of Bangladesh's landscapes and wildlife. You still have elephants. The Sundarbans amazed me — most people do not realise that the majority of it is in Bangladesh, not India. 

You still have tigers, and a very rare bird called the masked finfoot, which used to be found across Southeast Asia but can now only be reliably seen in Bangladesh.

So there is extraordinary wildlife here, and just as importantly, there are people deeply committed to protecting habitats and animals.

So, you are making a documentary on Bangladesh's wildlife?

Yes, it covers wildlife and a bit of culture as well. I went to the Spring Festival in Dhaka, which was brilliant. We filmed children singing in the Sundarbans and captured an amazing traditional practice where people fish with otters.

It is slightly controversial — whether wild animals should be used in that way — but it is a long-standing tradition in Bangladesh, and it was fascinating to document. We also showed tiger patrol groups in the Sundarbans who scare tigers away from villages instead of killing them.

There is very good public awareness around tigers now. In many ways, tigers have saved the Sundarbans. People understand that if tigers were not there, humans would encroach further and destroy the forest. The Sundarbans is an incredibly important habitat, and the tiger is its guardian.

When will the documentary be released?

We will finish it in June. We do not yet know where it will be broadcast globally, but we are very much hoping it will be shown on Bangladeshi television, so people here can appreciate the wonders that still exist in their own country.

I have been rewilding the Pittachhara Forest in Khagrachhari Hill district for the past nine years. From your perspective, can it have a real impact on biodiversity?

Absolutely. From what I have seen, the work being done at Pittachhara forest is extremely important. You have regenerated habitats that were previously oil palm plantations by removing the palms and replacing them with native vegetation.

You are also engaging with landowners adjacent to the forest, and they are helping to protect wildlife. They no longer kill animals found here because they understand their importance. There is also a vision for eco-tourism, which is crucial.

If eco-tourists come, local people can earn an income by protecting wildlife rather than exploiting it. People will not protect what they do not understand. Here, people have learnt that a live slow loris is worth more than a dead one. Hunting has stopped because communities now see slow lorises as charming, endangered animals worth preserving.

Do you think projects like Pittachhara conservation can have long term impact, even from a global perspective?

Very much so. Protecting small pockets of land is essential. Pittachhara is about 40 hectares. We are here in the dry season, which is not the best time for wildlife — I would love to return during the monsoon.

Even so, 26 species of snakes have been recorded in this small area. There are fantastic birds here, including pittas that return during the rainy season, and even now I have seen species I have never seen before.

There is also a very rare bird, the Cachar bulbul, which is almost unique to Bangladesh, extending slightly into Myanmar. Birdwatchers from around the world would love to see it. This area is a real biodiversity hotspot, particularly in this corner of Bangladesh.

If neighbouring landowners also protect their forests, there could eventually be a large enough area to support species such as clouded leopards returning.

If a wildlife corridor could be created between India and Bangladesh adjacent to Pittachhara Forest, just four to five kilometres away, would that help?

That would be fantastic. Wildlife corridors are being created all over the world. For example, between South Africa and Mozambique, fences have been removed to create vast landscapes for animals.

Of course, Bangladesh is smaller and faces many challenges — climate change, population pressure, livelihoods—but it is incredibly encouraging that people are still committed to wildlife conservation.

What is one unique thing you liked about Pittachhara Forest?

The enthusiasm — yours and your team's. We spent New Year's Eve together, and everyone was so optimistic about conservation.

Habitat regeneration here is genuinely impressive. Agricultural land is being restored with native vegetation, and you are already seeing species like buttonquail returning. This is true eco-tourism: solar power, natural water sources, waste management, and minimal environmental impact.

You are not paying lip service to sustainability. This is one of the best examples of genuine eco-tourism I have seen.

Do you have any advice for us?

Honestly, just keep doing what you are doing. I hope I can help spread the word about Pittachhara's conservation.

It is currently difficult for foreign visitors due to border sensitivities, but if regulations ease, this could become an extraordinary destination — not just for wildlife lovers, but for anyone who enjoys being in nature. Forest walking, or 'forest bathing', is very popular now in Japan and the UK.

I can easily imagine yoga retreats here, overlooking the forest. Wildlife comes very close — squirrels, slow lorises, palm civets. Night safaris here are incredible.

Most importantly, you are involving the local community — providing healthcare, supporting families, and improving livelihoods. Conservation must benefit people as well as wildlife.