8. Status and Management Practices of Royal Bengal Tiger in Bangladesh National Zoo

Abstract

The Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is the national animal of Bangladesh in addition to India. These most majestic mammalian cats are found in Sundarban mainly. It is a globally endangered and nationally critically endangered species that are conserved by Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The current study was carried out to establish the status is of tigers within the Bangladesh National Zoo. There are 9 tigers, including 5 males and four females, in the study tenure. The beef was supplied every day except Sunday at 8.47±2.36 kg beef and 0.35±0.14 kg liver per animal per day, whereas only 1.56±0.53 kg of broiler was allowed on Sunday. The zoo experienced born of several cubs in the last 10 years and 75% of them are male. However, unfortunately, some of the cubs were died due to cold stress, inbreeding, trypanosomiasis and renal failure. The zoo is a lovely place for breeding and conservation of endangered animals. But many problems are faced due to the lack of proper breeding policy. Housing and other management facilities were recorded well but not internationally standardized. Finally, it can be concluded that Bangladesh National Zoo is a good place for tiger conservation beyond some limitations.