Royal Bengal Tigers in Sundarbans increase to 96

On May 7, 2020, the Bengal Forest Ministry announced that the number of Royal Bengal Tigers in the Sundarbans has increased to 96 according to the census conducted for the year 2019-20.

Highlights

In 2017-18, the total count of Royal Bengal Tigers in Sundarbans was 87. It increased to 88 in the 2018-19 census. With the numbers reaching 96, there has been a big leap. The tigers are healthy according to the video footages of the forest department. The cameras have been installed across 4,200 square kilometres. Of this, 3,700 square kilometres is said to be tiger territory.

Under IUCN, the Royal Bengal Tigers are listed as Endangered Species.

Tiger Territory

Tigers live in dense vegetation. A habitat of a tiger is not only the place where it lives and preys. It also includes the areas where the tigers congregate and establishes a territory. It is called Tiger Territory. Tigers generally limit their movements within their territory. Every tiger has its own territory.

Sundarbans

The Sundarbans are of universal importance and is the largest mangrove forest in the world. It is one of the World Heritage Site. The Sundarbans mangrove forests are formed on the delta of Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers.

Global Tiger Forum

The Global Tiger Forum is the only inter-governmental organization that is involved in promoting conservation of tiger. India is also a part of the programme. According to the forum, tigers have lost 97% of their population and 94% of their home.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2020