Forest officials in the Sundarbans have launched a rescue plan after a Royal Bengal tiger was caught in a poacher’s snare, with a Dhaka vet joining efforts Sunday.
A Royal Bengal tiger has been trapped in a poacher’s deer snare in the forest along the Shorki Canal near Baiddyamari in Mongla Upazila. The Forest Department will launch a specialised rescue operation on Sunday morning.
Dipon Chandra Das, Assistant Conservator of Forests for the Chandpai Range under the Sundarbans East Forest Division, said the tiger became ensnared in an illegal trap set by hunters between the Baiddyamari and Joymoni areas. Officials visited the site on Saturday afternoon and confirmed the tiger was caught. The area has been cordoned off to prevent public access.
“The tiger is located about half a kilometre inside the forest from the canal bank. On Saturday night, blank shots were fired to keep the animal calm and encourage it to move away from immediate danger. A veterinary surgeon from Dhaka will arrive on Sunday to lead the rescue,” Das said.
If necessary, the team will use a tranquilliser gun. Once sedated, the tiger will remain unconscious for about 30 minutes, allowing it to be safely freed from the trap.
Officials added that if the tiger is injured or in poor health, it will be captured in a secure cage and transported to a Forest Department rescue centre in Khulna or Dhaka for treatment. “All necessary measures have been taken to ensure the tiger’s safety and well-being,” Das said.
The Royal Bengal tiger, native to the Sundarbans mangrove forest, is classified as endangered by the IUCN. Poaching and habitat loss remain major threats to the species.
Local residents began gathering near the area on Saturday evening after news of the trapped tiger spread. However, forest officials have restricted access while wildlife conservation teams continue their work.
