Bangladesh zoologist calls for urgent measures to save tigers in the Sundarbans

A top zoologist has appealed to the Bangladesh government to take expeditious measures to save the Royal Bengal tigers in the Sundarbans after a survey found their numbers dwindling alarmingly.

There were 440 tigers in the Bangladesh part of the Sundarbans, according to the 2004 Tiger Census (following pugmark tracking).
 
But the 2013-2015 Forest Department Survey (using hidden cameras) concluded that there were only 106 tigers left in the Bangladesh part of the Sundarbans.
 
Wildlife Institute of India offered technical support to the survey.
 
In the West Bengal part of the Sundarbans, the number of tigers have risen to 76 in 2014 from 70 in 2010 that compares poorly to the 30 percent rise in India's Tiger population in the same four-year phase.  
 
The findings of the Bangladesh forest survey has come to light two days before the International Tiger Day on July 29.
 

Forest Conservator for Wildlife Zone Tapan Kumar Dey told bdnews24.com: “83-130 tigers were found in Bangladesh and India parts of the Sundarbans during the survey that extensively used cameras to photograph and count tigers.  As per this count, the real number of tigers in Bangladesh part of the mangrove forest is estimated at 106.”

He vouched for the accuracy of the camera method for conducting Tiger Census, saying it was 'most scientific'

Dey said the result of the survey would be declared formally soon.

Dhaka University Zoology Department Chairman Prof Md Anwarul Islam told bdnews24.com: “The forest department had earlier said the number was 440 and now is saying it is 106. We have to accept whatever is said officially. But it’s true that tiger population is decreasing.”

He blamed poaching and food shortage for the decrease in the number of tigers.