Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser on Environment, Forests and Climate Change said, 125 tigers were found in the National Animal Tiger Survey of Sundarbans in 2023-24. The density of tigers is 2.64 per 100 square kilometers. The number of tigers increased by 11 in 2024 compared to 2018, a growth rate of 9.65 percent and an increase of 17.92 percent compared to 2015. The adviser said these things while interacting with journalists on the occasion of announcing the results of the Sundarban Tiger Survey 2024 at the meeting room of the Ministry on Tuesday (08 October 2024 AD).
The advisor said that in 2015 there were 106 tigers in Sundarbans, and the density was 2.17. In 2018, 114 tigers were found, and the density was 2.55. In 2018, the number of tigers increased by 8 and the growth rate was about 8 percent. He said 21 tiger cubs were photographed in the 2023-24 survey, but the number of cubs was not included. Because the death rate of cubs at a young age is very high. Only 5 cubs were photographed in 2015 and 2018. The advisor said, the number of tigers is determined by analyzing the photos and data of the survey. Experts from India, New Zealand and the United States were also consulted. The survey started in January 2023 and ended in March 2024. Rizwana Hasan said, this news of increase in the number of tigers is a joy for everyone in the country.
For tiger conservation, the government is undertaking various activities including declaring 53.52 percent forest reserves, 60 km of nylon fencing, construction of 12 shelters, compensation and rewards, and formation of 49 village tiger response teams. It requires the cooperation of the government as well as the common people. The secretary of the ministry at the press briefing. Farhina Ahmed, Additional Secretary Iqbal Abdullah Haroon, Chief Conservator of Forests Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury Jahangir Nagar University Professor MA Aziz, Khulna Region Forest Conservator Mihir Kumar Do and Project Director Dr. Abu Nasser Mohsin Hossain was present. Tiger survey report and video on survey activities were shown in PowerPoint at the press briefing. After the press briefing, the environmental advisor exchanged views with the Bangladesh Climate Change Journalists Forum. There, members of the Climate Change Journalists Forum discuss climate change, air pollution and noise pollution control.