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 as well as of India. This most majestic mammalian cats are found in Sundarban mainly. It is globally endangered and nationally critically endangered species that is conserved by Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The current study was done to know the status and management practices of tiger in Bangladesh National Zoo. Different data was collected and feed samples were tested in Central Disease Investigation Laboratory (CDIL). There were 9 tigers including 5 male and 4 female in the study tenure. 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. Though zoo is very nice place for breeding, conservation of endangered animals but due to lack of proper breeding policy, many problems are faced. Housing and other management facilities were recorded good but not internationally standardized. Feed samples were tested negative on the day of feeding whereas all were infected by Escherichia coli on the third day. Finally, it can be concluded that Bangladesh National Zoo is a good place for tiger conservation beyond some limitations.