The majestic tigers are the custodians of the Sundarbans. The Sundarbans is the last stronghold of Bangladesh’s remaining tiger population. Bengal tiger is the most important species in the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans. By conserving tigers, we indirectly protect other species that are a part of its ecological habitat. Thus, the Bengal tiger is regarded as an umbrella species there. Coincidentally, tigers are also a flagship and keystone species. Why? As a flagship species it represents a campaign for a globally important habitat – a World Heritage Site, also a Ramsar Site. Also, globally tigers are not found in any other mangrove forests. As an apex predator, tigers are known as a keystone species too because their absence could break the functionality of this important mangrove ecosystem.

The Bengal tiger in the Sundarbans still faces various anthropogenic threats. Recognizing that these threats are linked directly to human behavior, WildTeam has adopted ‘Social Change Strategy’ utilizing social marketing theory to change the behavior of local communities and therefore increase the chances of survival of the Sundarbans tiger. As per social marketing theory, the behavior change strategy consists of a blend of three types of strategic actions: education and awareness, regulation/law enforcement and provision of alternatives of current practices. Considering these, WildTeam adopted a few milestone activities and areas where WildTeam has developed a strong network and sustainable models for the protection of tigers and the Sundarbans ecosystem. In addition to engaging the community and forming the Village Tiger Response Team, Forest Tiger Response Team, BaghBandhus (tiger ambassadors) and TigerScouts, WildTeam has two main initiatives: the Sundarbans Tiger Initiative and the Wild Learning Initiative. BaghBandhus and TigerScouts were formed during the USAID’s Bagh Activity, under the leadership of Bangladesh Forest Department.

Today, July 29, 2024, was this year’s Tiger Day and WildTeam has organised Global Tiger Day activities to communicate the importance and values of the tiger and its habitat among the children and youth living around the Sundarbans. The children and youth are known as planet’s custodian. Local government representatives, Bangladesh Forest Department, headmaster of local school, local media and the community leaders were there to encourage the participants. This programme was arranged under IUCN’s Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme (ITHCP), at WildTeam Conservation Biology Centre at Joymoni in the Sundarbans, with the support from the German Cooperation via KfW Development Bank.

The celebration included drawing competitions, storytelling and quizzes. The video-story titled The Guardians of the Forest was written by WildTeam’s friend, Ms Sharon Ngoi, and illustrated by her assistant, Faith Chan. Sharon recently visited WildTeam Conservation Biology Centre at Joymoni in the Sundarbans with her husband, Mr Jenn Jong Yee. She wrote this story from her Sundarbans experience. The children had the opportunity to visit the exhibits of the Sundarban Museum and Interpretation Centre of WildTeam, situated at Joymoni, Chandpai, Mongla, Bagerhat.

The participants pledged: #SayNoToDeerMeat, and #SayNoToPoisonFishing. Conservationists say: prey poaching is more dangerous than tiger poaching. So, it should be stopped now. Fishing with poison is rampant. Together we should face it. WildTeam believes in people to explore community-based solutions. Let’s hope today’s participants go home and tell their parents not to cook deer meat and not to catch fish by using poison.