Deer poaching remains threat in Sundarbans

The Sundarbans, world's largest mangrove forest, is home to a significant population of deer, primarily spotted and barking deer. Visitors and locals have noted a rise in the deer population, with frequent sightings of herds near rivers and canals. However, despite this growth, poaching persists as a major concern.

According to a December 2023 survey by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the deer population in the Sundarbans stands at 136,604, a substantial increase from 83,000 in 2004�a growth of 53,604 over 19 years.

Mihir Kumar Doe, Chief Conservator of Forests in the Khulna region, attributed the rise in deer numbers to effective patrolling by law enforcement and forest officials, as well as reduced human activity, such as the cancellation of the Ras Mela, which previously attracted over 50,000 visitors annually. �Deer sightings have become common and even tigers are more frequently spotted, reflecting positive changes in biodiversity,� he said.

Despite these conservation successes, poaching remains rampant. Locals and conservationists report that several organized groups are actively hunting deer to meet the demand for venison, which is cheaper than beef or mutton in Sundarbans-adjacent areas. Deer meat fetches between 500 and 600 Taka per kilogram locally but can go up to 2,000 Tala in urban markets. 

Professor Anwarul Kadir, Executive Director of the Sundarbans Academy, warned that poaching not only threatens the deer population but also impacts predators like the Bengal tiger, whose primary prey is deer. �Though tiger killings have decreased, the continued hunting of deer remains a serious issue,� he said.

Authorities face significant challenges in curbing illegal activities. Most poachers operate with impunity due to weak enforcement and loopholes in the law. �Those caught are often minor players or transporters of the meat and skin. The key poachers and traffickers remain elusive,� said journalist Subhra Sachin, head of the Sundarbans and Coastal Protection Foundation.

Villages near the forest, such as those in Khulna�s Koyra, Dacope, and Paikgacha upazilas, are hotspots for poaching. Locals from these areas often rely on forest resources for their livelihood, and some turn to illegal activities, including poaching, due to economic hardship.

The government has implemented measures to combat poaching, including financial rewards for reporting wildlife crimes. Informants can earn up to Tk 20,000 for providing information about crimes within the forest and Tk 10,000 for incidents outside it.

Despite these efforts, forest officials, including Mihir Kumar Doe, acknowledge the difficulty of managing the vast forest with limited resources. However, they remain optimistic that increased public participation and stricter enforcement will help preserve the Sundarbans� wildlife.

As the Sundarbans continue to recover and thrive, addressing poaching remains critical to ensuring the long-term survival of its rich biodiversity.