The Bengal Tiger population within the Sundarbans has reportedly increased from 88 in 2018-19 to 96 in 2019-20, marking a significant annual surge, according to the most recent census conducted by the West Bengal Forest Department. The Sundarbans is a vast mangrove forest ecosystem extending along the coastal region of the Bay of Bengal and is spread across India and Bangladesh.
About the Sundarbans
Situated on the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, the Sundarbans is home to an expansive and contiguous mangrove forest ecosystem. Notably, it houses the only mangrove forest in the world where tigers roam freely. Indian Sundarbans cover over 60% of the country’s total mangrove forest area, painting a picture of its sheer size and importance.
Named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Indian Sundarbans were further recognized as a ‘Wetland of International Importance’ under the Ramsar Convention in January 2019. It is a critical refuge for rare and globally threatened wildlife species, such as the Northern River Terrapin, Royal Bengal Tiger, Irrawaddy Dolphin, and Fishing Cat.
Increasing Tiger Count
The recent increase in tiger count, from 88 to 96, signifies the highest annual climb recorded in the Sundarbans. Such stats reflect the potential impact of conservation efforts deployed in this region, particularly towards maintaining the Bengal Tiger population.
Tiger Census Challenges
However, estimating the tiger population within the Sundarbans is not without its challenges. This region is characterized by difficult terrain that includes dense mangrove forests, crisscrossed by creeks and rivulets. Additionally, high tides cause flooding twice a day, complicating the count further. Regardless of these challenges, the West Bengal Forest Department has successfully managed to carry out the census and report an increase in the tiger count.
Key Role of Sundarbans in Conservation
As one of the largest mangrove forests globally, the Sundarbans plays a crucial role in supporting biodiversity. The surge in tiger numbers strengthens the argument for continued conservation efforts in the region. Moreover, the forest system serves as a protective barrier for coastal regions against cyclones and tsunamis, indicating its significance at multiple levels – environmental, ecological, and socio-economic.
Threats to Sundarbans
Despite the favorable findings in tiger population growth, the Sundarbans face some threats. These include rising sea levels and progressive salinization due to climate change, which could jeopardize the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem. Therefore, it is imperative to address these challenges to conserve the Sundarbans effectively.
While the increase in the tiger count in Sundarbans is indeed encouraging, it underscores the importance of continuing rigorous conservation efforts to maintain this positive trend. Equally essential is addressing the larger environmental issues that pose threats to this extraordinary ecosystem.