Will the Sundarbans Be Closed on December 11 for the Tiger Census?
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Synopsis
The Sundarbans, a critical habitat for the Royal Bengal Tiger, will temporarily close to tourists for a vital census on December 11 and 12. This initiative aims to collect accurate data on the tiger population and assess ecological balance. Learn about the efforts in monitoring these majestic creatures and the importance of this census.
Key Takeaways
- The Sundarbans will be closed on December 11 and 12.
- 1,484 camera traps will be installed for the census.
- The census aims for scientific accuracy in tiger population data.
- Prey species will also be surveyed to assess ecological balance.
- A mobile app will enhance data collection transparency.
Kolkata, Nov 10 (NationPress) The Sundarbans, Bengal's renowned mangrove forest and the habitat of the Royal Bengal Tiger, will be inaccessible to tourists on December 11 and 12 as the Forest Department conducts a crucial tiger census.
As per official announcements from the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (STR), all tourist activities, including boat rides, launches, and cruises, will be entirely halted over these two days.
Moreover, online bookings for entry into the forest will also be suspended to prioritize the collection of accurate scientific data regarding the tiger population.
“We will set up a total of 1,484 camera traps across various regions of the Sundarbans, spanning around 4,100 square kilometers. These cameras will track the movements of the big cats and their prey for more than a month. The subsequent data will be analyzed to ascertain the current tiger population. Our goal is to carry out the tiger count with utmost scientific precision, which is why we decided to halt tourism,” explained a STR representative.
In addition to monitoring tigers, the census will also examine prey species such as deer, wild boar, and goats to evaluate the health of the ecosystem.
For the first time, a dedicated mobile application will be utilized by field officers and forest workers to upload images and real-time updates directly to a central database, enhancing transparency and efficiency.
The 2022 tiger census, expected to be published in late 2024, recorded 101 tigers in the Sundarbans, an increase from 88 tigers in 2018. Out of these, 80 resided within the core Sundarbans Tiger Reserve and 21 in the adjacent South 24 Parganas division.
Typically, the tiger census in the Sundarbans occurs once every four years, although smaller surveys and localized observations take place annually.
The camera installation process is set to commence on November 26. Forest workers have already been trained, and comprehensive guidelines have been provided regarding camera placement and installation. Approximately 250 workers will be assigned to various locations throughout the campaign.
Point of View
I believe that prioritizing the health of wildlife and ecosystems is paramount. The upcoming tiger census in the Sundarbans is a crucial step toward understanding and preserving one of the world's most iconic species — the Royal Bengal Tiger. This effort reflects our commitment to conservation and the importance of scientific accuracy in wildlife management.
NationPress
11/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Sundarbans closing for tourism?
The Sundarbans is closing to facilitate a tiger census conducted by the Forest Department, focusing on accurate data collection for the tiger population.
When will the closures take place?
The Sundarbans will be closed to tourists on December 11 and 12.
What methods will be used for the census?
The census will involve the installation of 1,484 camera traps across the region to monitor tiger movements and assess prey species.
How often is the tiger census conducted?
The tiger census is typically carried out every four years, with smaller surveys conducted annually.
What was the outcome of the last census?
The last census recorded 101 tigers in the Sundarbans, an increase from 88 tigers in 2018.
