A year-long crackdown on poaching and illegal resource extraction has led to a noticeable increase in the presence of tigers, deer and birds in the eastern part of the Sundarbans, according to forest officials and local stakeholders.
The improvements have been linked to intensified patrols, reduced deer poaching, control of poison fishing and tighter enforcement in protected zones.
However, challenges such as organized smuggling groups, limited manpower and difficult terrain continue to hinder full protection efforts.
The Divisional Forest Officer of the Eastern Sundarbans, Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, said unprecedented enforcement drives were carried out between May 2025 and April 2026 to curb wildlife crimes.
During this period, authorities recovered around 114,553 feet (about 35 km) of deer-killing wire traps, along with 813 snare traps and 2,294 walking traps.
Officials said the traps could have killed thousands of deer, wild boars, monkeys, and even endangered tigers if not removed in time.
A total of 70 poachers were arrested and sent to court. In addition, 474 operations led to 377 arrests and 241 cases, while 396 more individuals were booked under forest laws.
Authorities also seized 448 boats and trawlers, thousands of illegal crab-catching tools, fishing nets, poisoned fish (724 kg), 1,066 kg of crabs and 250 kg of deer meat.
Forest officials said the amount of seized deer meat has dropped significantly compared to the previous year, falling from 750 kg to 250 kg, indicating reduced illegal hunting. As supply declined in illegal markets, prices reportedly rose from Tk 500 to Tk 1,500 per kg.
Local fishermen and honey collectors in the Sundarbans’ Shoronkhola area reported increased sightings of wildlife, including deer, wild boars and even tigers.
Some also reported seeing tiger footprints and hearing occasional roars while working in the forest.
They further said sightings of crocodiles and a wide variety of birds; including kingfishers, bee-eaters, hornbills, kites and eagles, have become more frequent than before.
Experts explain that deer are a key prey species for the Bengal tiger and an increase in deer populations naturally supports higher tiger activity.
Reduced poaching, poison fishing and illegal entry into sanctuaries have also created a more favourable environment for birds and other wildlife.
Forest authorities said illegal fishing and crab collection in protected zones such as Katka, Kochikhali, Kokilmoni and Tiar Char have dropped to near zero. Around 300 fishermen were also arrested for illegal entry and poison fishing.
In addition, drone surveillance, plastic-free tourism initiatives and patrols in fire-prone areas have been strengthened.
Public awareness campaigns have also encouraged local communities to protect wildlife, with several incidents of villagers rescuing animals instead of killing them.
However, officials acknowledged ongoing threats from organized pirate groups operating inside the forest, along with limited manpower and difficult access routes caused by silted rivers and canals.
“If the forest remains healthy, wildlife will thrive. Community involvement is key to protecting it,” said Rezaul Karim Chowdhury.
He added that protecting the apex predator; the tiger, is essential for maintaining the Sundarbans’ ecosystem balance.
According to the forest department’s 2024 survey, the tiger population stood at 125. Officials hope that continued conservation efforts could increase the number by up to one-fourth in the next survey.
Environmental expert Dr. Md Raihan Ali of Institute for Integrated Studies on the Sundarbans and Coastal Ecosystems said the changes reflect a positive ecological shift.
He noted that the Sundarbans ecosystem is highly interconnected, and improvements in forest management naturally influence wildlife recovery.
AT/SH
