The Sundarbans holds approximately 100-114 Bengal tigers — uniquely adapted to swimming in tidal channels and hunting in mangrove habitat. These tigers regularly encounter humans (honey collectors, fishermen, woodcutters) entering the forest, creating the world's highest frequency of human-tiger conflict with annual fatalities on both sides. Tiger welfare is affected by: saltwater forced drinking (freshwater scarcity in tidal areas), periodic cyclone flooding, habitat degradation from rising sea levels, and stress from human encounters.
Human fatalities from tiger attacks (15-20 annually) generate retaliatory killing pressure. Conservation programs use face masks (worn on the back of the head) to reduce sneak attacks, tiger-proof boats, and community-based awareness. Reducing human entry into core tiger areas benefits both tiger welfare and human safety.
Irrawaddy dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) inhabit Sundarbans waterways and face gillnet bycatch as a primary welfare threat. The species is vulnerable, with Sundarbans and Bay of Bengal populations sharing waterways with intensive small-scale fishing. Research on bycatch mitigation and fishing gear modification is ongoing. Irrawaddy dolphins show complex social behavior and high intelligence, making individual bycatch mortality welfare-significant beyond population statistics.
Estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) — once nearly extirpated from the Sundarbans — have recovered through protection and reintroduction programs. Current population estimated at several hundred. Crocodile welfare includes protection from illegal hunting and monitoring of reintroduced individuals. Human-crocodile conflict occurs occasionally, primarily in fishing communities.
Sea level rise threatens to inundate low-lying Sundarbans islands, reducing habitat for all species. Cyclone Amphan (2020) caused widespread habitat destruction with significant wildlife welfare impacts. Salinization of freshwater sources affects tigers and other wildlife requiring low-salinity drinking water. The Sundarbans represents one of the world's most vivid examples of climate change as an animal welfare emergency.