A Bengal Tiger has been caught in a trap set allegedly by deer poachers deep inside the Sundarbans, raising concerns over illegal hunting in the world’s largest mangrove forest.
The incident occurred in the forest area along Sharkir Khal near Baiddyamari in Mongla upazila of Bagerhat district, according to the Forest Department.
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Dipan Chandra Das, assistant conservator of forests (ACF) of the Chandpai Range under the Sundarbans East Forest Division, said they received information yesterday afternoon that a tiger had been trapped between the Baiddyamari and Joymoni areas, where poachers frequently set snares to hunt deer.
A team rushed to the spot and confirmed the presence of the trapped animal, located about half a kilometre inside the forest from the bank of Sharkir Khal.
The forest department has initiated a rescue operation, with the main effort set to begin this morning under the supervision of wildlife experts and experienced veterinary surgeons.
“We are not allowing anyone near the area. However, we suspect the tiger has been caught in a poachers’ trap,” Imran Ahmed, conservator of forests for the Sundarbans region, said, adding that preparations for the rescue are underway.
He said expert veterinarians and wildlife specialists from Dhaka have reached the area, while additional personnel are reaching the spot from Khulna.
“I am also heading to the site to oversee the operation,” he added.
An experienced veterinary surgeon from Dhaka is expected to assist with the rescue. If necessary, the tiger will be tranquilised and released safely. If found seriously injured or unwell, it will be taken to Khulna or Dhaka for treatment, officials said.
To ensure public safety and reduce stress on the animal, the Forest Department has cordoned off the area and barred civilians and onlookers from approaching the site.
Forest officials said blank shots were planned to be fired late last night to frighten the tiger into freeing itself from the trap and moving deeper into the forest, away from human settlements.
Meanwhile, news of the trapped tiger spread quickly, prompting local residents to gather near the forest edge from yesterday evening.
Officials remain on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents.
In a Facebook post last night, tiger expert Khasru Chowdhury warned that the law and order situation in the Sundarbans has deteriorated sharply.
He said the daily recovery of trap ropes by the Forest Department indicates widespread illegal activity.
Khasru said tigers caught in such traps often suffer severe injuries, as nylon snares tighten around the forelimb, cutting into flesh and bone. Without timely rescue, such wounds can turn gangrenous and prove fatal. Even after rescue, amputation is often required.
He also criticised the lack of effective action in the western Sundarbans, despite higher levels of criminal activity there.
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