Wildlife thrives as Sundarbans falls silent

A herd of deer is gazing peacefully on the green grass of Sundarbans, without any sign of fear. Sunshine sparkles on the high tide in the distance, and birds are chirping. The biggest mangrove forest on planet Earth is finally breathing a sigh of relief.

This eye soothing scene was seen just eight days after a three-month long entry ban took effect in the Sundarbans. Forest guards captured videos and photos on their mobile phones. Those footage show large herds of deer and wild boars are roaming freely in the forest. Active presence of Royal Bengal Tigers, crocodiles, and various bird species were witnessed too.

Recently, forest guards in the Chandpai Range of East Sundarbans captured a video. It shows a herd of spotted deer roaming fearlessly along the open riverbank. Forest officials said such sights are extremely rare when tourists and engine boats crowd the area.

Md. Asaduzzaman, in-charge of the Charaputia Forest Office under Chandpai Range, spoke on the matter. He said the three-month ban is enforced every year to ensure a safe habitat for wildlife during the breeding season. 

Tourists, fishermen, and forest resource collectors are barred during this period. The positive impact of the ban is already visible.

Patrol guards in the canals and rivers reported seeing far more deer than usual. They also noticed fresh tiger footprints, crocodile activities, wild boar movements, and a variety of birds. Many areas now echo with birdsongs during dawn and dusk.

Officials said the absence of humans allows animals to move freely in their natural habitat. With no loud trawlers, tourist noise, or fishing pressure, the animals are coming out into the open.

Environmentalists noted that nature heals itself when given a chance. The recent scenes in the Sundarbans are proof of this. As human pressure recedes, wildlife is reclaiming its home.

Md. Rezaul Karim, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of East Sundarbans, said, ‘Wildlife presence has visibly increased in a very short time. This proves that animals quickly return to their natural behavior when they find a peaceful environment.’

The forest will reopen once the ban ends. However, this experience reminds us that the Sundarbans is a safe haven for millions of living beings, not just a resource for humans. When humans step back, nature revives in its own rhythm.

-MR/SA