The Royal Bengal Tiger and Chital deer in the Sundarbans are under increasing threat from organized poachers and forest criminals, officials warn. During the winter months, lower water levels in forest canals drive deer closer to local settlements, making them easy targets for hunters.
Tiger Rescued from Trap
On 4 January, forest rangers in the Chandpai Range rescued a female tiger caught in a poacher’s trap. Using a tranquilizer, the animal was freed and transported to Khulna’s Wildlife Rescue Center for treatment. During the operation, authorities discovered eight additional traps in the area.
Deer Poaching Remains Widespread
Local residents near the forest are often involved in deer hunting, using firearms and traps to capture animals for meat, horns, and hides, which are sold in nearby markets. Forest officials report that poachers are also targeting tigers, killing them for bones, skins, and other body parts for illegal export.
Conservation Efforts
Despite the threats, the deer population in the Sundarbans has grown from roughly 83,000 in 2004 to an estimated 136,000 today. Divisional Forest Officer Nirmal Kumar Pal said the rescued tiger is recovering and assured that strict measures will be taken against poachers.
Wildlife expert Prof. M.A. Aziz emphasized the need for coordinated action: “To protect the Sundarbans, poaching must be stopped, illegal deer hunting and poison fishing halted, and forest authorities empowered along with law enforcement agencies working together.”
