Need for regular tiger census

Bangladesh is among the 13 countries where tigers still roam in the wild. The current tiger population in the country is yet to be known exactly since there have been no surveys since 2018. The last survey put the population of tigers in the Sundarbans at 114. It was, however, around 450 in 2010. This shows how fast tiger population is dwindling in our country. Many factors are behind the diminishing number of tigers, including habitat loss, climate change and poaching. Against this background, we have recently observed the International Tiger Day on July 29 through holding several programmes including rallies. However, these programmes cannot save these majestic animals from extinction. If we really want to conserve them, we must act promptly.

If we can stop tiger poaching and ensure smart patrolling, the tiger population will surely increase in the Sundarbans. We can also expand the tiger habitat in the Chattogram Hill Tracts area. Such measures can help increase the tiger population. The authorities concerned should conduct surveys on tiger population on a regular basis. If tigers become extinct from our forests, we will lose a species that is essential to our ecosystems. Also, it means that a large swathe of the forest has been destroyed, which can endanger our own existence.

Abu Elias Linkon,

Banasree, Dhaka,

lightening_sparkle@yahoo.com