NAME – MOUMITA SINHA

COLLEGE ROLL NUMBER – ENGA20F333

DEPARTMENT – ENGLISH HONOURS

SEMESTER - 2

CALCUTTA UNIVERSITY ROLL NUMBER – 202223-11-0057

CALCUTTA UNIVERSITY REGISTRATION NUMBER – 223-1211-0108-20

PAPER – AECC-2

SUBJECT – ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES (ENVS)

CONSERVATION OF ROYAL BENGAL TIGER IN

THE SUNDARBANS
Acknowledgement
I would like to express my gratitude to Professor Aniruddha Chatterjee and Professor Malini
Kundu. Their constant guidance, insightful information and support have been invaluable to me.
I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Scottish Church College for providing me with
the opportunity to do a project on this topic.
Introduction
Wildlife conservation is the practice of protecting plant and animal species and their habitats.
Wildlife forms an integral part of the world’s biodiversity, creating and defining several
ecosystems. The need for conservation arises due to the threat faced by wildlife and their habitats
due to the explosion in population and subsequent human activities that encroach upon and
destroy the wild species and their natural habitats. The efforts of wildlife conservation are largely
geared towards the species that are in danger of becoming extinct. According to an estimate,
human activities have led to current extinction rates being 1000 times greater than the
background extinction rate or the normal extinction rate that occurs without additional influence.

Wildlife conservation can be achieved through legislation and governmental initiatives. The
efforts of post-Independence India to conserve wild species started with the formation of the
Wildlife Board at the national level and the Wildlife Protection Act in 1972. Under this Act, the
Government of India created protected areas like national parks, wildlife sanctuaries,
conservation reserves and community reserves for the wildlife and imposed punishments on
those indulged in the illegal act of hunting. Thus, the second important way of conserving
wildlife can be classified under in-situ conservation, that is, protection of endangered wild
species in their natural habitat. India, as one of the 17 mega-diversities in the world with four of
the 35 biodiversity hotspots of the world, has undertaken several important wildlife conservation
projects such as Project Tiger (1972), Project Elephant (1992), Crocodile Conservation Project
(1975) and UNDP Sea Turtle Project (1999).

The state of West Bengal in the eastern region of the country boasts of rich forests and abundant
wildlife, be it the one-horned Indian rhinoceros in the Jaldapara and Gorumara national parks or
red pandas and Himalayan black bears of the Himalayan forests. However, the haven of a vast
and bewildering array of wildlife in West Bengal is the Sundarbans, an extensive mangrove area
in the Gangetic delta. Enlisted as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sundarbans National
Park is home to nearly 500 fauna wildlife. A consistent loss of species in this area rich with
tropical wildlife has been a source of worry, along with increase in salinity due to rising sea
levels.
The Sundarbans
 The Sundarbans

Named after the ‘sundari’ or the local name for the mangrove species Heritiera fomes, the
Sundarban forests lie in the delta region of the Bay of Bengal formed by the confluence of three
rivers – Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna. The freshwater swamp forests are spread out between
India and her neighbour Bangladesh. The mangrove forests form a complex ecosystem which
forms the largest mangrove forest of the world. The forest meets the Bay of Bengal to the south;
to the east it is bordered by the Baleswar River and to the north, the land is intensively cultivated.
The huge variety of wildlife found here are supported by numerous habitats – beaches, estuaries,
permanent and semi-permanent swamps, tidal flats, tidal creeks, coastal dunes and levees.

Mangrove ecosystem can be termed as a highly specialised ecosystem occurring in coastal

regions of tropical and sub-tropical regions. A difference can be noticed in the soils of the
Sundarban mangrove forests from inland soils because these soils are often subject to salinity
(from the Bay of Bengal) and waterlogging. Soil types found here include sandy loam, silt loam
and clay loam. Terrestrial, brackish water and marine fauna constitute the major wildlife
components.
1) The terrestrial fauna consists of tree dwellers as well as ground dwellers.
 a) The habitats of tree dwellers include branches, roots and bark of trees. The upper canopy
of mangrove trees is the home of birds, bats, monkeys and insects. The common species
of kingfishers found here are the Blackcapped Kingfisher or Halcyon pileata, the
Whitecollared Kingfisher or Halcyon chloris and the Brownwinged Kingfishser or
Pelargopsis amauroptera. Birds of prey such as eagles and owls are found in plenty –
Whitebilled Sea Eagle or Haliaeetus leucogaster, Crested Serpent Eagle or Spilornis
cheela Pariah kit or Milvus migrans, Barn Owl or Tyto alba and Brown Fish Owl or
Bubo zeylonensis. Bulbul, myna, flycatcher and finches are also common.

Black-collared Kingfisher

Bat species found here include Shortnosed Fruit Bat or Cynopterus sphinx and the Large Indian
Flying Fox or Pteropus giganteous. The only species of primate inhabiting the mangrove forests
is the Rhesus monkey or Macaca mulatta which is well distributed in the entire forest. They are
commonly found feeding on either ‘Keora’ trees (Sonneratia apetala) or on crabs.
 Rhesus Monkey

Among insects, several species of butterflies, moths, dragon flies, bees, wasps, fireflies,
ants and beetles are found in the mangroves. The abundance of disease-causing
mosquitoes make it impossible to enter the forests. Anopheles sundaicus is a predominant
malarial mosquito of the mangrove environment. Honey produced by bees such as the
Rock Bee or Apis dorsata is commercially important for the people living in this region.

b) The forest floor is home to a large number of ground-dwelling wildlife species. Apart
from the Royal Bengal Tiger or Panthera tigris, the ground fauna comprises of Fishing
Cat or Felis viverrina which is the state animal of West Bengal, Spotted deer or Cervus
axis, Wild Boar or Sus scrofa, mongoose, otter, etc. Species like the Swamp Deer
(Cervus devaucelli) and the Javan Rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus) are now extinct from
this region.
 Fishing Cat

2) The intertidal mudflat fauna comprises of marsh birds, aquatic snakes and the Estuarine
Crocodile or Crocodilus porosus. The Dog-faced Water Snake or Cerberus rhynchops is also
found at the water edge. Among birds, different species of plovers, sandpipers and egrets are
seen, hopping on the mud during low tide for food. Hermit crabs are interesting creatures found
here. They use empty shells from molluscs to protect themselves from predators. Other crab
species found include fiddler crabs and ghost crabs.

Estuarine Crocodile

3) Among the aquatic estuarine fauna we have an abundance of dolphin species, notably the
Plumbous Dolphin or Sousa plumbea, Malay Dolphin or Stanella malayana, Irrawaddy Dolphin
or Orcella brevirostris along with the Gangetic Dolphin or Platanista gangetica. The Common
Otter or Lutra lutra is also found in these rivers. The turtle population of the mangrove forests is
represented by Northern River Terrapin or Batagur baska, Olive Ridley Turtle or Lepidochelys
olivacea and Ganges Softshelled Turtle or Trionyx hurum.
 Endemic River Terrapin (Batagur baska)

Gangetic Dolphin

The Royal Bengal Tiger – the Charisma of Sundarban

The man-eating Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris) is synonymous with the Sundarbans – so deeply is
this magnificent creature a part of the forest and culture. It is one of the biggest tiger species in
the world and has been rightly honoured as the national animal of India. The tigers found in the
Sundarbans are the only ones in the world inhabiting mangrove forests. The Sundarbans Tiger
Reserve, a part of the Sundarbans National Park was set up in 1973 as a part of the Tiger Project
to conserve the tigers – for, despite being a magnificent icon among India’s rich wildlife species,
the Bengal tiger faces threats to its survival. The tiger has been classified as Endangered by the
IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), meaning that their population is
decreasing rapidly.

HOW IS THE ROYAL BENGAL TIGER THREATENED?

According to the last tiger census report in 2019, “there are 2,967 Royal Bengal tigers in India.”
India has “more than 75% of the total tiger population. In the last century, Sundarbans has lost
95% of the world’s tigers. The Bengal tigers, themselves known as man-eaters are threatened by
human activities that lead to their hunting and killing and also cause climate change that destroys
their habitat.

1) Poaching
Illegal trade in tiger skins and other body parts to neighbouring countries like Nepal and
China from India is rampant and causes large scale destruction of these tigers. In 2019 it
was reported that about 100 tigers were lost due to illegal poaching. Tiger bones are
highly in demand for making traditional Chinese medicine. The animals are gunned down
by well-organized gangs of professional poachers. The governments of India and her
 neighbouring countries have not been successful in implementing an enforcement
response strict enough to control this kind of illegal hunting and trade.

A warning to poachers, outside a tiger reserve.

1) Human-tiger conflict
The Sundarbans region is contains the densest population of tigers. However, the human
population here has also increased which has set the stage for rampant human-wildlife
conflict, leading to humans and tigers being unable to co-exist. Since 1990, an average of
3:3 people to tigers have been killed each year. The man-eating tigers can be classified
into two groups – the tigers that go out hunting seeking to kill humans are the
‘confirmed’ or dedicated man-eaters. Whereas, the ‘opportunistic’ ones do not actively
seek out human prey, but attack and devour humans when they find an opportunity. It is
not uncommon for the honey-gatherers and fishermen who venture out into the dense
forest and come upon a stealthy tiger. In turn, humans attack tigers to prevent the killing
of people and livestock, lack of support from local forest authorities when tigers enter
villages or as an act of revenge for the killing of fellow villagers.

2) Sea-level Rise
 Sea level is one of the most important of climate change here since the Sundarban area is
approximately one metre above sea level. Globally, the sea levels are rising by 4cm per
decade. With this current increase, a digital elevation model (DEM) of the Sundarbans
has predicted that the national park will lose 96% of its land by as early as 2070. Due to
this extreme loss of land, tiger populations would not be able to live in these areas.

3) Soil Erosion
Coastal landscapes such as the Sundarbans are rendered more vulnerable to rising sea
levels due to large-scale erosion of soil. Mangroves are very important in protecting the
coastline – their roots collect the silt and sediment from the sea and hold the soil in place.
Increased tourism in these places have led to water pollution and improper waste disposal
which have started to erode the soil. This is a hazard which will lead to the destruction of
this area and in turn a loss of habitat for not only the Bengal tiger but too all the species.

Mangrove root system beginning to erode along the Sundarban coast.

4) Saltwater Intrusion
More and more saline waters from the Bay of Bengal is intruding into the freshwater
areas of the Sundarbans, causing Sundari or mangrove trees to die, leading to the habitat
destruction of the tigers, according to experts. The freshwater river ways are connected to
the ocean in a dense network. Salinity in these freshwater river ways has increased by
26% in the last 35 years. The tiger population is bound to perish if their only source of
fresh drinking water, these rivers, turn saline. As a result, the tigers will venture into
villages where human-tiger conflict will lead to the deaths of either the humans or the
tigers.

NASA Satellite image, showing Sundarbans in deep green.

The river pathways connected to the ocean are shown.
Tiger Conservation Measures
Several measures have been undertaken by the Indian Government on its own as well as in
collaboration with other actions.

WHAT MEASURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN BY INDIA?

 A major tiger conservation programme named the Tiger Project was undertaken by the
Indian government in 1973. It aims to ensure a viable population of Bengal tigers in their
natural habitats, protecting them from extinction and preserving areas of biological
heritage as national heritage.
 The task force envisaged tiger reserves as breeding grounds, from which surplus animals
would migrate to adjacent forests.
 Project Tiger guidelines have been revised and issued to State governments for
strengthening tiger conservation.
 The government has set up a Tiger Protection Force to combat poachers and funded
relocation of villagers to minimize human-tiger conflicts. A special strategy for monsoon
patrolling is in place along with anti-poaching squads involving ex-army personnel.
 Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 empowers the government to take strict measures
to ensure tiger conservation.
 The Act was amended in 2006 to constitute the National Tiger Conservation Authority
and the Tiger and Other Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau

Logo of the National Tiger Conservation Authority

WHAT MEASURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN IN COLLABORATION WITH

OTHER COUNTRIES?

 India has a bilateral understanding with Nepal on controlling trans-boundary illegal trade
in wildlife and conservation, apart from protocol on tiger conservation with China.
 A protocol has been signed in 2011 with Bangladesh for conservation of the Royal
Bengal Tiger of Sundarbans.
 India is the founder member of Global Tiger Forum of Tiger Range Countries for
addressing international issues related to tiger conservation.
 India is an active member of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and introduced a resolution in 2007 for
commercial breeding of tigers.
Why do we need to save Tigers?
Tigers, one of the most endangered animals on the planet, benefit and impact the ecosystem in
various ways of which people are largely unaware. Destruction of their natural habitat and their
subsequent dwindling numbers has important implications for the ecosystem that we humans
also inhabit.

1) They reflect the health of the ecology.

Experts state that tigers indicate the ecological wellness of the planet. Their main task as
the dominant predators is to keep the number of herbivores in the ecosystem in check. An
increase in the number of herbivore could lead to the destruction of forests as they
consume plants and trees.
 Deer are common prey to tigers.

2) Carbon storage value

A healthy tiger population lives in large forest areas that are natural reservoirs of carbon.
Conservation of tigers would in turn ensure an adequate amount of carbon in the
atmosphere to achieve carbon storage. If tigers are poached or killed, herbivore would
increase and consume the forests, leading to a decline in the amount of carbon produced.

3) Tigers support and contribute towards Livelihood

The Sundarbans are renowned internationally as an animal lovers’ ideal destination –
especially due to the majestic, mesmerizing Royal Bengal Tiger. The tourist influx is the
backbone of the livelihood of the people of Sundarbans and thus a declining tiger
population would negatively affect the locals’ livelihood.

4) The tiger is the Symbol of India’s National Pride

There is no other animal but the Bengal tiger with its luxuriant yellow coat with black
stripes, sleek, stealthy but majestic, impressive demeanour, agility to climb trees and
swim with ease that symbolizes grace, strength and splendour – in other words, the pride
of India. In 1972, the Royal Bengal Tiger was declared the national animal of India.
Therefore it becomes a part of our moral obligation to ensure that these tigers are
protected.
Conclusion
The sentiment associated with the Royal Bengal Tiger in the minds of the people of
Sundarbans is interesting to note – there is fear of being mauled and killed as they venture deep
into the forest for their livelihood but at the same time a respect and admiration for the beast
pervades. The tiger represents many things – it is a part of their culture and their daily lives. The
tiger is worshipped as the deity Dakshin Rai in the Sundarbans. The tiger stands for the natural
order – the tiger protects his dominion, the forest, which is also the home and source of
livelihood for people living here. Therefore, be it the ferocious beast or the fishermen and honey-
collectors and the widows and family members of those who fell prey, a co-existence exists and
a co-dependence for survival.

Such a dangerously intimate human-tiger relationship exists in the heart of these mangrove
forests, but so does a worldwide representation of the Royal Bengal Tiger in national and
international culture. Rudyard Kipling’s beloved collection of stories in 1894, The Jungle Book
featured a Bengal tiger named Sher Khan. Yann Martel’s 2001 novel Life of Pi that was made
into a film of the same name in 2012 also features a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker as an
important character.

The tiger is revered universally, which reinforces the need to conserve these splendid species.
They are engaged in a symbiotic relationship with not only the people living in the area but also
with the ecosystem at large. Animal species such as the Indian Cheetah and Great Indian Bustard
are extinct today. It is most unfortunate that the Bengal tiger stands endangered mainly due to
illegal human activities such as poaching. The authorities must be more vigorous and thorough in
protecting the tigers by undertaking stricter enforcement measures. The duty of protecting the
pride of our nation is ours and thus people must be made aware of the importance and
significance of the Royal Bengal Tiger. We, not only as part of the ecosystem but also as a part
of this nation would stand to lose a lot if the tigers were to vanish from our forests. We owe it to
them to ensure their existence is protected and conserved.

Bibliography
Bharucha, Erach. Textbook for Environmental Studies.

Mandal, A.K. Nandi, N.C. Fauna of Sundarban Mangrove Ecosystem, West Bengal, India
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Wildlife Conservation
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/wildlife-conservation/

About Sundarbans
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Sundarbans National Park

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sundarbans_National_Park

Bengal tiger
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengal_tiger

Bengal Tiger in Sundarbans National Park, Bangladesh.

Bengal Tigers in Sundarbans National Park, Bangladesh | Aksik

What is the Future of Bengal Tiger?

https://www.esquire.com/uk/culture/news/a9152/what-is-the-future-of-bengal-tiger/