Department of Anthropology
University of Dhaka
Home Assignment
Course Name: Ecological Anthropology
Course Code: ANTH 254
Title: Save The Tiger: The Conservation of The Hero
Submission Date: November 6, 2024
Submitted to: Submitted by:
Syed Arman Hosain Name: Caroline Gomes
Assistant Professor Roll: 21
Department of Anthropology Session: 2021-22
University of Dhaka Year: 2nd Year 4th Semester
Introduction:
The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world. It is the only mangrove-tigerland in
the world which is threatened at once by cyclones, tidal waves, lack of fresh water, tigers,
crocodiles, and poisonous snakes. This unique tigerland has a unique history, nature, and
landscape. (Chakrabarti, 2009)
This natural sanctuary is home to 125 tigers which are in danger because of climate change and
natural disasters. Though the number of tigers increased in 2024 from 114 to 125, they are under
constant threat. Tigers and their habitat are in the most vulnerable position because of cyclones
like Sidr (2007) and Aila (2009). (Tiger Population in Sundarban Rises by 8-10pc in 2024, n.d.)
Royal Bengal tiger is the symbol of power, bravery and sharp intelligence. They also epitomize
royalty and regency. This orange and black striped animal not only depicts our national pride but
also represents our country on the global platform.
Even after being the national animal of the country, the tigers are the most endangered ones.
Geographical location, climate change and natural disasters have made their lives miserable.
Therefore, preserving the natural heritage of our country is our first and foremost duty. Strict
measures should be taken to save our pride and heritage.
Fig 1: Forest of the Sundarbans (Source: Visit Sundarbans: World's Largest Mangrove Forest in
Bangladesh,
https://cosmosgroup.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/news/details/6568412_Sundarban_river_mangrove_for
est.jpg)
Overview of the Sundarbans:
The Sundarbans Reserve Forest (SRF), located in the south-west of Bangladesh between the
river Baleswar in the East and the Harinbanga in the West, adjoining to the Bay of Bengal, is the
largest contiguous mangrove forest in the world. Lying between latitude 21° 27′ 30″ and 22° 30′
00″ North and longitude 89° 02′ 00″ and 90° 00′ 00″ East and with a total area of 10,000 km2,
60% of the property lies in Bangladesh and the rest in India. The land area, including exposed
sandbars, occupies 414,259 ha (70%) with water bodies covering 187,413 ha (30%).
The three wildlife sanctuaries in the south cover an area of 139,700 ha and are considered core
breeding areas for a number of endangered species. Situated in a unique bioclimatic zone within
a typical geographical situation in the coastal region of the Bay of Bengal, it is a landmark of
ancient heritage of mythological and historical events. Bestowed with magnificent scenic beauty
and natural resources, it is internationally recognized for its high biodiversity of mangrove flora
and fauna both on land and water.
Fig 2: Location of the Sundarbans (Source: Google Map,
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sundarbans/@22.0177663,88.6275223,156006m/data=!3m2!1e3!
4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x3a004caac2c7b315:0x4716abcfbb16c93c!8m2!3d21.9497274!4d89.1833304!
16zL20vMDU1Zzhq?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTAxNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D )
The immense tidal mangrove forests of Bangladeshs’ Sundarbans Forest Reserve, is in reality a
mosaic of islands of different shapes and sizes, perennially washed by brackish water shrilling in
and around the endless and mind-boggling labyrinths of water channels. The site supports
exceptional biodiversity in its terrestrial, aquatic and marine habitats; ranging from micro to
macro flora and fauna. The Sundarbans is of universal importance for globally endangered
species including the Royal Bengal Tiger, Ganges and Irawadi dolphins, estuarine crocodiles and
the critically endangered endemic river terrapin (Batagur baska). It is the only mangrove habitat
in the world for Panthera tigris tigris species. (The Sundarbans, n.d.)
Tiger: The Hero of the Sundarbans
Tiger, the ultimate hero of the Sundarbans, is the national animal of Bangladesh and India.
Tigers never fail to express their royalty and regency. Their every move and every walk take the
breath away of nature lovers. The Sundarbans cannot be thought without the existence of Royal
Bengal Tigers.
Fig 3: Royal Bengal Tiger (Source: Defying a Tiger, https://www.autismworks.com/blog/defyingatiger)
\Tiger, (Panthera tigris), largest member of the cat family (Felidae), rivaled only by the lion
(Panthera leo) in strength and ferocity; it is a famous apex predator (meaning without a natural
predator or enemy). The tiger is endangered throughout its range, which stretches from the
Russian Far East through parts of North Korea, China, India, and Southeast Asia to the
Indonesian island of Sumatra. The Siberian, or Amur, tiger (P. tigris altaica) is the largest,
measuring up to 4 meters (13 feet) in total length and weighing up to 300 kg (660 pounds). The
Indian, or Bengal, tiger (P. tigris tigris) is the most numerous and accounts for about half of the
total tiger population. Males are larger than females and may attain a shoulder height of about 1
meter (about 3 feet) and a length of about 2.2 meters (7 feet), excluding a tail of about 1 meter.
Tigers weigh 160–230 kg (350–500 pounds), and those from the south are smaller than those of
the north. (tiger, n.d.)
Environmental History of the Sundarbans:
The Sundarbans, a unique mangrove ecosystem straddling the border between India and
Bangladesh, holds a special place in environmental history. It is the largest mangrove forest in
the world and the only place where tigers inhabit a tidal swamp ecosystem. Geographically, the
Sundarbans covers an area of 10,000 square kilometers, with 62% of it lying in Bangladesh. This
vast landscape is characterized by a complex web of rivers, creeks, and mangrove forests that are
subject to daily tidal inundation. Historically, this region has been a place of human habitation,
abandonment, reclamation, and conservation, shaped by both natural and human forces.
Early Human Settlement and Reclamation
The Sundarbans has a long history of human interaction, with references in ancient Indian texts
like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas. Hiuen-Tsang, a Chinese traveler from the 7th
century AD, described the area as fertile and agriculturally productive, part of the low-lying land
of Samatata. In medieval times, the Sundarbans was known as "Bhati," meaning low tidal land,
indicating that it was once cultivated and inhabited. However, depopulation occurred due to
environmental and political disruptions, such as the devastating flood of 1584 and incursions by
Portuguese and Magh pirates. By the 16th century, the area had been abandoned, giving way to
the regrowth of dense forests.
The arrival of British colonialism in the 18th and 19th centuries marked a turning point for the
Sundarbans. The British recognized its potential for timber and agricultural development, and
efforts to reclaim the land began. However, reclamation was hindered by the hostile natural
environment, especially the presence of tigers, which were notorious man-eaters. The region’s
tigers played a crucial role in both folklore and colonial narratives, often depicted as threats to
human life and economic activity.
The Colonial Era and Forest Conservation
In the 19th century, the Sundarbans became a site for colonial efforts to manage natural
resources. The British East India Company initially viewed the region as an untapped resource,
aiming to transform it into a revenue-generating forest. By the mid-19th century, the Sundarbans
was declared a Reserved Forest, and the British administration implemented policies aimed at
forest conservation. This marked the beginning of a formalized forest management system,
designed to control access to natural resources while maximizing revenue.
The establishment of toll stations, issuance of licenses for resource extraction, and the
introduction of user fees gradually transformed the local people’s relationship with the forest.
The colonial government also initiated large-scale efforts to hunt tigers, which were seen as
obstacles to economic development. Between 1881 and 1912, over 2,400 tigers were killed in the
Sundarbans alone. These measures were part of broader colonial policies that sought to control
both the environment and the indigenous populations, viewing the region as a dangerous
wilderness that needed to be tamed. (Chakrabarti, 2009)
The Impact of Conservation Efforts in the Post-Colonial Era
After independence, the post-colonial governments of India and Bangladesh continued to focus
on conservation, but with a different emphasis. In 1973, India launched Project Tiger, aimed at
preserving the tiger population across the country, including in the Sundarbans. This was
followed by the establishment of a UNESCO biosphere reserve in the Sundarbans in the early
1970s. These initiatives sought to balance conservation with the needs of local populations,
emphasizing the importance of biodiversity while acknowledging that human communities were
integral to the ecosystem.
Project Tiger
Project Tiger is an important movement to protect the Wildlife of India, especially the Royal
Bengal Tigers. Under this project, many conservation areas were made properly so that the
number of tigers could increase.
The habitat required by the Tigers were made properly, and any cutting of trees in that area was
avoided. Many conservation areas were created to make sure that no human could enter the area
and do any harm to the tiger or its habitat. Project Tiger was first initiated on April 1, 1973, and
is still going on.
This project started to save tigers. The much-needed project was launched in Jim Corbett
National Park, Uttrakhand under the leadership of Indira Gandhi. The objective of the Project
Tiger was clear- saving Royal Bengal Tigers from getting extinct.
Fig 4: Project Tiger (Source: Project Tiger and International Big Cats Alliance,
https://vajiramandravi.com/upsc-daily-current-affairs/mains-articles/project-tiger-and-international-big-
cats-alliance/)
The major cause of their depletion is humans, and so all the conservation areas are made human
free. They made sure that the place that tigers lived in was also safe and secure.
Project Tiger has been successful in increasing the population of the tigers. The number has
increased from 1200 to around 5000. The project team has been doing its work with full
dedication, and all national parks are putting efforts in doing the project. There are around fifty
national parks and sanctuaries that are involved in this project.
There were many obstacles in the project like poaching and the Forest Rights Act, but all were
handled well by the government, and the project is running in full speed. (Project Tiger, n.d.)
However, the implementation of these conservation programs often excluded local people from
decision-making processes. The restrictions imposed on resource use led to conflicts between
local communities and forest officials, especially as the tigers continued to be seen as both a
valuable species and a direct threat to human life. Local residents, many of whom depend on the
forest for their livelihoods, were often forced into illegal activities such as poaching or timber
smuggling due to the lack of alternative economic opportunities.
Success of Project Tiger
The journey of increasing tiger population has not been easy. Around the 1970s the tiger count
was only one thousand and two hundred, but according to the recent census, it has increased to
five thousand. In fact, there has been a thirty per cent rise in the population in the last eight years.
This says a lot about the efforts put in by the government and the national parks. While the
whole world is seeking methods of increasing the number of tigers, India has already started
achieving milestones through Project Tiger.
From turning hunting grounds to tiger reserves, India has shown its magic of conserving wildlife
in general. They have also updated the acts regarding forest and wildlife. Any kind of illegal
trading of animals has been banned.
Human interference in any of the reserves and forests is not allowed. A proper habitat has been
created for the Tigers to hunt, live and survive. The world has recognised this project as the
‘Most successful project’. (Project Tiger, n.d.)
The Modern Environmental Challenges
Today, the Sundarbans faces new environmental challenges, many of which are linked to global
environmental changes. Rising sea levels, increased salinity, and decreasing freshwater flow due
to upstream damming and industrial activities threaten the delicate balance of this mangrove
ecosystem. The intrusion of human settlements into the buffer zones, along with the
intensification of water transport and oil spills, has further exacerbated the degradation of the
forest. Many species that once thrived in the Sundarbans, such as the Indian rhinoceros and river
dolphins, are now extinct in the region, a result of both historical over-exploitation and
contemporary environmental pressures.
A Complex Environmental Legacy
The environmental history of the Sundarbans is one of dynamic interaction between natural
forces and human interventions. From ancient cultivation to colonial exploitation and modern
conservation efforts, the region has been shaped by both local and global forces. The
conservation policies, while aimed at preserving biodiversity, have often neglected the traditional
knowledge and needs of the local communities. The ongoing conflicts between humans and
tigers, along with the broader environmental degradation driven by industrialization and climate
change, reflect the complexities of managing a fragile ecosystem that is both globally significant
and locally contested.
The Sundarbans stands as a testament to the enduring challenge of balancing conservation with
human development, a struggle that continues to evolve in the face of new environmental and
social realities.
My Suggestion on the Preservation of the Royal Bengal Tigers
1. Limiting Human Interference:
The main reason for the decrease of tiger numbers is the human interference. Human interference
should be limited and rules should be made so that they cannot take anything from the forest.
Officers should be hired to maintain the beauty of Sundarbans.
2. Limitations on establishing Hotels, Restaurants, and Resorts:
The Sundarbans attracts a specific type of tourist interested in eco-tourism. The market for
luxury hotels and high-end resorts may be limited. Tourism in the Sundarbans may be seasonal,
leading to inconsistent revenue streams for hotels and restaurants, making it challenging to
maintain business viability.
3. Initiate a project called “Bagh Bachao”:
The Indian project Tiger has helped them reduce tiger poaching rates, increase the number of
tigers, and conserve the wildlife of India. Initiative like this should be taken by the government
of Bangladesh. For this, I suggest a project called “Bagh Bachao” which means “Save the Tiger.”
Under this project, the several regions of Sundarbans should be identified and marked. Different
officers should be hired to monitor these regions. A good amount of budget must be allotted to
make this project successful. This project should be a long-term one gradually working on the
overall natural habitat.
4. Awareness campaigns and competitions:
Every year on 29th July, International Tiger Day is celebrated. Awareness campaigns and
competitions must be held on school levels to nurture the young minds and celebrate the royalty
of tiger.
5. Fighting Natural Disasters:
Conservation of wildlife is not an easy task. That’s why, small steps should be taken in the
ground level to reduce the climate change effects. For that, we all need to come together.
Planting more trees, managing waste materials, reusing and recycling waste materials, reducing
carbon emission can make a change in the environment. The first world countries should be
reminded about their increased amount of carbon emission on the International Climate
Convention (ICC).
6. Travel responsibly:
The purpose of the wilderness is to be explored, not to be tampered with or contaminated. When
visiting a tiger reserve, or any other wilderness region, abide by the regulations set forth by the
forest department. It's said that you should "take nothing but memories and leave nothing but
footprints."
7. Assist in stopping the trade in wildlife:
Refuse to purchase goods made from tiger derivatives and tiger parts. Say "NO" to the tiger
trade. Convince those who are hunting tigers and wild ungulates to stop. Notify the local law
enforcement officials if you have any information on illicit wildlife trade or poaching.
8. Collaborative Conservation Efforts Partnerships:
Seek funds and expertise by partnering with international organizations, NGOs, and government
agencies.
9. Cross-Border Cooperation:
Since tigers may travel across borders, collaborate on conservation projects with nearby nations.
10. Initiatives for Community-Based Conservation:
Involve local communities in the planning and decision-making phases of conservation efforts to
guarantee that their viewpoints and needs are taken into account. Create community patrol
organizations and provide them with tools and training to keep an eye on tiger movements and
wildlife protection.
11. Mitigation of Conflict:
Put tactics in place to reduce hostilities between tigers and nearby communities, like livestock
loss compensation schemes. Create early warning systems that use technology to notify
communities of tiger movements in regions where human-tiger interactions are likely to occur.
12. Sustainability Difficulties:
The environment and nearby communities may be strained as a result of excessive usage of local
resources, such as food and water supplies, brought on by an increase in tourists. It can be
difficult to ensure that hotels and restaurants follow sustainable practices, which could have a
harmful effect on the environment.
Conclusion
In the battle to save the Bengal tiger, the true hero of the Sundarbans, our efforts go far beyond
protecting an iconic species—they represent a fight to preserve the delicate balance of one of the
world's most vital ecosystems. The tiger is not just a majestic predator; it is a symbol of the
health and vitality of the Sundarbans and its surrounding environment. Effective conservation of
this hero requires a multifaceted approach, blending habitat protection, anti-poaching efforts,
community involvement, and sustainable development practices.
As human activities and climate change continue to threaten tiger populations, our actions must
be immediate and sustained. Conservation efforts should not only focus on safeguarding the
tigers but also on engaging local communities, promoting eco-tourism, and enforcing stricter
regulations against illegal activities. Only through collaboration between governments,
organizations, and individuals can we ensure that the roar of the Bengal tiger continues to echo
through the Sundarbans, serving as a reminder of the strength of nature and our collective
responsibility to protect it.
Reference:
Chakrabarti, R. (2009). Local People and the Global Tiger: An Environmental History of the
Sundarbans. Environment and Society Portal, 72–95.
Defying a Tiger. (n.d.). Autism Works. https://www.autismworks.com/blog/defyingatiger
Location of the Sundarbans. (n.d.). Google Maps.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sundarbans/@22.0177663,88.6275223,156006m/
data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x3a004caac2c7b315:0x4716abcfbb16c93c!8m2!
3d21.9497274!4d89.1833304!16zL20vMDU1Zzhq?
entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTAxNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
Project Tiger. (n.d.). Inside Indian Jungles. Retrieved October 15, 2024, from
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Project Tiger and International Big Cats Alliance. (n.d.). Vajiram and Ravi.
https://vajiramandravi.com/upsc-daily-current-affairs/mains-articles/project-tiger-and-
international-big-cats-alliance/
The Sundarbans. (n.d.). UNESCO World Heritage Convention.
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/798/
Tiger population in Sundarban rises by 8-10pc in 2024. (n.d.). Daily Observer. Retrieved
October 22, 2024, from https://www.observerbd.com/news.php?
id=482816#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20last%20survey,compared%20to
%20440%20in%202004.
Visit Sundarbans: World’s Largest Mangrove Forest in Bangladesh. (n.d.). United News of
Bangladesh.
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r_mangrove_forest.jpg
