Bengal tiger dies of old age in Sundarbans
Forest officials said the wild animal lost the ability to hunt
A female Bengal tiger was found dead near a canal in the West Sundarbans mangrove forest in Satkhira. Officials of the Forest Department located the body after some fishermen informed them on Sunday evening.
According to officials, the tiger died of old age but an autopsy will be performed soon to ascertain the exact cause of death.
Confirming the matter to The Business Standard, MA Hasan, assistant forest conservator of Satkhira Range, said, "The forest department team has already reached the spot where the tiger died. Our officials are guarding the place."
He also said, "Necessary steps will be taken upon further investigation."
"We are suspecting that the tiger, because of her age, lost the ability to hunt. Some of her teeth were found in a decaying state. A DNA test will also be done after samples collected from the dead tiger are sent to Dhaka," he further added.
Burigowalini Forest Station Officer (Satkhira Range) Sultan Ahmed said, "The next census will be conducted in 2022. Data regarding Bangladesh's tiger population will be updated then."
According to a census report of 2018, only 104 tigers are remaining in the Bangladesh part of the Sundarbans.
Earlier on 20 March, the body of another female Bengal tiger was recovered from Dhanchebaria Char near Bhola River in Sharankhola Range of East Sundarbans in Bagerhat.
