Bengal Tigers may not survive the upcoming climate change
By Sumaiya Tasnim 10 May, 2019
A scientific study warns of the risk of losing the Bengal Tigers because of climate change. The cats are around 500,000 land species whose survival is in question. According to a recent report by the UN, the survival of this species is in question. This brings upon various other issues regarding climate change and its effects on life around the world.
Our mangrove forest is deteriorating
The Sundarbans is a 10,000 square kilometers of marshy land, filled with various flora and fauna. It stretches from Bangladesh to India, making it one of the biggest mangrove forest in the world. This forest is well known for its rich eco-system and hundreds of animal species. However, scientists are not sure if the Sundarbans can sustain one of its most important animals, the Royal Bengal Tiger. Researchers reported in the journal 'Science of the Total Environment' that changes operated by a warming planet will be "enough to decimate" a few hundreds or more of the tigers. According to their research, by 2070 there will be no suitable habitats for the tigers to survive.
Recent research shows frightening results for the tigers
Climate change has already endangered many species. Plenty are struggling to survive under the constant changes in the temperature and our environment. Sharif A.Mukul, the lead author of the report on the Sundarbans, researched for risks beyond the rising sea. Sea levels rising alone could amount to these cats lose half of their habitat. Mukul, an assistant professor of environmental management at Independent University, Bangladesh, believes that cyclones and other natural disasters can, destroy their habitat. They can also cause the outbreak of diseases and shortages of food.
Prerna Singh Bindra, author of The Vanishing: India's Wildlife said that the number of tigers is going to shrink with time. The reason behind this is because the migrating of the tigers is not a 'viable option'. Since there are no undisturbed places for these animals in a crowded planet.
Questionable actions from the authorities
Fiddling with the laws, the development of industries and factories around the forest brings in several questions. Department of Environment has permitted at least 190 industrial plants in the ecologically critical area (ECA) around the Sundarbans, claiming that those factories have taken enough precautions on pollution. These factories include gas cylinder manufacturers, oil refineries, fish farms, hatcheries, saline water refineries and many more.
The problematic regulation of the increase of industries around the habitat of thousands of animal species, the extreme increase of heat and the fear of natural disasters have left researchers to wonder if proper precautions will help them protect the tigers after all.
A complete guide to finding the best career counselor
Looking back at Bangladesh's World Cup
Caged Realities: Zoos in Bangladesh and their mistreatment of animals
Bangladesh moves to make technical education compulsory in every school
Things you certainly miss from the 2000s
8 Tactics to help manage your insomnia