Spotted deer crucial to tiger survival in Sundarbans: Study
NN ONLINE:
A recent study has highlighted that spotted deer play a crucial role in sustaining tiger populations in the Sundarbans, underscoring the intricate link between prey availability and predator survival in this fragile mangrove ecosystem.
Conducted by researchers from Jahangirnagar University’s Zoology department in collaboration with the Bangladesh Forest Department, the study warns that any decline in deer populations could severely threaten the long-term survival of the Royal Bengal Tiger in Bangladesh.
Titled “Assessing Tiger Prey and Factors Influencing Tiger Abundance in the Sundarbans,” the study was led by Professor M. Abdul Aziz, Aminur Rahman and Ameer Hamza of JU Zoology department, and co-authored by Jahidul Kabir, Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests. The findings were published in the Global Ecology and Conservation Journal in April 2025.
The research focused on monitoring populations of the two main tiger prey species, spotted deer (Axis axis) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) to understand their influence on tiger density and behavior. The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shelters the last remaining population of Royal Bengal Tigers in Bangladesh, yet continues to face growing threats from poaching, illegal fishing and habitat destruction.
Researchers found a strong positive correlation between spotted deer density and tiger abundance, with the deer constituting around 78 percent of a tiger’s diet. Areas with higher deer populations consistently showed greater tiger presence. “The health and survival of tigers in the Sundarbans depend heavily on the availability of spotted deer,” said lead researcher Prof. Abdul Aziz. “Any decline in deer numbers due to poaching, habitat loss, or environmental factors will directly endanger tiger survival.”
While wild boars make up around 11 percent of a tiger’s diet, the study found their abundance had a weaker relationship with tiger population density. “Wild boars are an important food source, but spotted deer remain the key factor in sustaining tiger numbers,” Prof. Abdul Aziz added.
The research also documented the adverse effects of human activities such as illegal hunting, fishing and forest encroachment on tiger and prey populations. Areas with high human disturbance recorded fewer tiger pugmarks, suggesting that both tigers and their prey are retreating from heavily exploited zones.
“The rise in piracy and armed robbery in the Sundarbans has intensified pressure on both tiger and deer populations,” Prof. Aziz noted. “Even designated sanctuary areas show signs of stress, with declining wildlife numbers.” Co-author Md. Jahidul Kabir of the Forest Department emphasized the urgency of stricter law enforcement.
“If piracy and poaching continue unchecked, both tiger and deer populations will further decline,” he warned. “Strong protection and community cooperation are vital to restore balance in the Sundarbans.”
The study urged immediate and integrated conservation measures, including stricter protection in wildlife sanctuaries, regulation of resource extraction and sustainable livelihood programs for local communities.
“Protecting spotted deer, managing human activities and raising public awareness are key to preserving both tiger populations and the biodiversity of this globally significant ecosystem,” Prof. Aziz stressed. “Long-term conservation strategies must align ecological priorities with the social and economic realities of local residents,” he said.
He added that the future of the Royal Bengal Tiger in Bangladesh hinges on effective, multi-faceted conservation efforts that combine habitat protection, prey management and community engagement.
Earlier, on October 8, 2024, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, announced results from the Tiger Population Survey 2023-24, reporting that the number of tigers in the Bangladesh part of the Sundarbans had increased to 125.