The tiger count in the Sundarbans, conducted through more than 1,200 camera traps, has been completed, with the final results expected to be announced on October 8.
Officials are optimistic that the number of tigers has increased since the last survey in 2018.
The survey, organised by the Khulna Forest Office, marks the third large-scale tiger count in the Sundarbans, following similar efforts in 2015 and 2018. The 2022 survey was part of two mega projects focused on tiger conservation, with 484 tracking cameras and a budget of 3.6 billion taka. Despite delays in releasing the data, the Forest and Environment Advisor has assured that results will be published on schedule this year.
Local environmental activists, like Mahfuzur Rahman Mukul from Bela, are hopeful.
"We've previously been disappointed with tiger numbers, but this time we've learned the population has increased. People are now more aware that tigers are our protectors. Instead of killing them on sight, locals now see their value in protecting the ecosystem," Mukul said.
Others, like Mohammad Maksudur Rahman, Executive Director of Bangladesh Environment Development Best, also expressed optimism but raised concerns over the large sums spent on regular surveys.
"We expect the numbers to rise, but instead of spending millions on tiger counts every three years, this money could be better spent on the development of coastal communities."
Despite criticisms, the Divisional Forest Officer of the Sundarbans' Western Forest Division, Dr. Abu Nasir Mohsin Hossain, defended the survey. He pointed out that this year's count was conducted using domestic technology and funding across Khulna's four ranges. Hossain also noted that protective forts are being constructed for tigers to shield them from natural disasters such as storms and floods.
Previous surveys found 106 tigers in 2015 and 114 in 2018. With the latest count now complete, expectations are high that the tiger population has grown, bringing hope for continued conservation success. However, local environmentalists also call for greater transparency and accountability in the use of funds, urging the government to focus on long-term development for the region’s human population as well.
The tiger population in the Sundarbans, which serves as a critical guardian of the region's unique ecosystem, remains a focal point of both environmental and public interest.