Bangladesh holds the world’s largest remaining population of Bengal tigers in the wild, but with the majestic animal experiencing a gradual demise, special patrols are being brought in to put a halt to villagers beating them to death.

According to a 2004 government census, there are around 450 Bengal tigers in the Bangladeshi section of the Sunderbans Forest , but expert Monirul Khan believes tiger numbers are likely only half the government’s estimate, with fatal beatings being a key factor in their falling numbers.

A new government-approved plan, the first of its kind in the area, will lead to the formation of a 10-person patrol team in each of the hundreds of villages on the edge of the Sunderbans forest.

The move follows an increase in tiger deaths in the 10,000-square-kilometre forest, with dozens beaten to death over the last decade after wandering into local villages.

According to media reports, last year nearly 30 people were killed after they were attacked by tigers while fishing or collecting honey inside the forest.

Villagers are traditionally hostile to the tigers, so as well as acting as a preventative force, the patrols will also seek to work alongside villagers and attempt to change attitudes towards the at-risk animals.

“The patrol teams will inform forest officials as soon as a tiger enters their village. They’ll also persuade the villagers not to harm the animals,” said Abdul Motaleb, the government’s forest conservation chief.

“It’s impossible to conserve these rare tigers unless we involve villagers to help protect the animal.”

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