Current Sundarbans Tiger Population

The Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (STR) in West Bengal has recently made headlines as it expanded in August 2025, following approval from the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL). This expansion adds 1,044.68 square kilometres to the reserve, making it the second-largest tiger reserve in India, now covering a total of 3,629.57 square kilometres, just behind Andhra Pradesh’s Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve.

This move is a major step in protecting the unique Sundarbans wildlife, especially the Sundarbans tigers, and enhancing the Sundarbans Tiger population.

Expansion and Approval Process

The NBWL, chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, approved the West Bengal government’s proposal to include three tiger-inhabited ranges: Matla, Raidighi, and Ramganga, located in South 24 Parganas district. The primary goal is to consolidate fragmented tiger habitats under unified management, ensuring better protection and monitoring of the Bengal tiger population.

Prior approvals were obtained from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the West Bengal State Board of Wildlife, reflecting a multi-tiered process to safeguard tigers.

This expansion also aligns with national goals of strengthening tiger conservation in Sundarbans and ensuring proper implementation of NTCA guidelines.

Historical Background

The idea of expanding the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve has been in discussion for nearly two decades. Initial efforts began around 2005–06 but stalled due to administrative and operational challenges. In 2022–23, renewed recommendations emerged from Nilanjan Mullick, director of the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve.

The formal proposal was finalized in 2024 and submitted to NBWL after extensive consultations with local stakeholders, conservation experts, and government officials.

Conservation and Management Benefits

The expansion of the reserve is expected to have several positive impacts on the Sundarbans Tiger population in 2025 and overall biodiversity:

• Unified Habitat Management: Fragmented tiger habitats will now be managed under one administrative umbrella, reducing human-wildlife conflict and improving monitoring.

• Boosting Tiger Numbers: Experts estimate the current tiger population in Sundarbans at around 101 individuals, and better protection could see this number rise.

• Enhanced Infrastructure: The reserve will benefit from improved staff capacity, surveillance, and conservation resources.

• Increased Funding: Expansion can attract more national and international funding for tiger reserve initiatives.

• Biodiversity Protection: A larger protected area will safeguard not just the Sundarbans tigers but also other species and the mangrove ecosystem.

Challenges Ahead

Despite optimism, several challenges remain:

• Manpower Shortage: The reserve operates at only 40% of approved staffing levels, which could hinder effective monitoring.

• Financial Constraints: Limited funds may affect long-term conservation efforts and infrastructure development.

• Local Communities: Fishermen in the expanded areas have expressed concerns about restrictions on traditional livelihoods. Authorities have assured that the added areas are primarily buffer zones, and community interests will be protected.

• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Balancing Sundarbans wildlife protection with human activity remains a sensitive issue.

Impact on Tiger Population and Biodiversity

The Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, is home to the unique Bengal tiger population adapted to its tidal and swampy environment. The expansion may positively impact tiger population trends in West Bengal by:

• Reducing habitat fragmentation.

• Supporting genetic diversity through connected habitats.

• Allowing better implementation of conservation efforts for the Sundarbans tigers.

Furthermore, this initiative has the potential to boost eco-tourism while promoting awareness about the importance of tiger conservation.

Key Questions Answered

• How many tigers are in the Sundarbans in 2025? Approximately 101 tigers are currently estimated.

• What is the impact of expansion on the tiger population? Consolidation of habitats will likely enhance tiger breeding, reduce conflicts, and improve overall population stability.

• Why is Sundarbans tiger conservation important? It protects a globally unique mangrove ecosystem and supports the survival of the Bengal tiger population.

Final Thoughts

The expansion of the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve in 2025 marks a significant milestone in wildlife conservation. By adding 1,044.68 square kilometres, it becomes India’s second-largest tiger reserve, strengthening protection for the Sundarbans tiger population. This move helps consolidate fragmented tiger habitats under unified management, improving monitoring and conservation efforts.

With the reserve now better equipped, the current tiger population in Sundarbans has a chance to grow, while biodiversity across the mangrove ecosystem benefits. Enhanced infrastructure, staffing, and funding will support long-term conservation goals.

While challenges like manpower shortages, financial constraints, and local community concerns remain, the establishment of buffer zones ensures a balance between wildlife protection and human livelihoods.