The Royal Bengal tigress rescued from a poacher's snare earlier this year is set to return to her natural habitat-the Sundarbans- on Sunday.

To monitor the tigress, the Forest Department is installing 20 camera traps across an eight-kilometre stretch of forest. The team will observe movements for at least one year. 

The tigress was fully recovered after nearly six months of treatment and rehabilitation. 

The Forest Department has decided to release the 10-11 year old tigress into the Andharmanik forest under the Chandpai Range of the eastern Sundarbans on 12 July following recommendations from senior forest officials and wildlife experts.

The tigress was rescued on 4 January after being found seriously injured in a deer snare set by poachers near Sharkirkhal in the Chandpai Range. 

She had suffered severe injuries to her front left leg, with skin, muscle and veins badly damaged, while prolonged struggle in the trap caused infection and tissue decay.

A five-member veterinary board at the Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division's rehabilitation centre in Khulna treated the animal with antibiotics, regular wound dressing and intensive care.

The wound healed by March and fur has since regrown over the affected area.

DFO of the Wildlife and Nature Conservation of Khulna Nirmol Kumar Paul said the tigress has regained her strength, agility and hunting ability. She now weighs around 90 kilograms after recovering from her injuries.

The decision to release the tigress followed extensive discussions among wildlife specialists. 

Some experts initially suggested fitting the animal with a satellite collar or microchip for tracking because of its age, others recommended keeping her in a safari park, arguing that older tigers may struggle to survive in the wild.

However, the Forest Department ultimately decided to return the tigress to her natural habitat, considering her full recovery and the high monthly maintenance cost exceeding Tk200,000  including 4-5 kilograms of fresh meat daily.

Chief Conservator of Forests for the Khulna region Imran Ahmed revealed his plan to fit the tigress with a satellite collar. But, he had to drop his plan as the equipment could not be imported in time.

Instead, camera trapping will be used to monitor her movements.
He said the tigress, measuring about nine feet in length, has regained her physical fitness and is capable of hunting independently. 

Camera trap records from 2024 had identified the same tigress three times within a 40-kilometre area of the Sundarbans.

The Forest Department has formed four specialized teams comprising veterinarians, tiger experts and forest officials to oversee the release.

The teams will conduct final health and behavioural assessments, transport and release the tigress, and ensure post-release monitoring and public safety.

Divisional Forest Officer of the Eastern Sundarbans Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said the tigress will be transported by the River from Khulna to the Andharmanik Eco-Tourism Centre before being released into the adjoining forest on Sunday morning.

Senior Forest Department officials and wildlife experts are expected to attend the release ceremony.