Combined effects of climate change and sea-level rise project dramatic habitat loss of the globally endangered Bengal tiger in the Bangladesh Sundarbans

By 2070, the combined effects of climate change and sea-level rise will eliminate all suitable habitat for the globally endangered Bengal tiger in the Bangladesh Sundarbans. Using MaxEnt modeling with current distribution data, land-use/land cover, and bioclimatic variables—coupled with two IPCC climate scenarios (RCP6.0 and RCP8.5) and projected sea-level rise—the study predicts dramatic habitat loss. Sea-level rise is expected to have a substantial negative impact on this low-lying mangrove ecosystem. To ensure the long-term survival of the Bengal tiger, the authors recommend expanding terrestrial protected areas, strengthening law enforcement, and raising awareness among local communities.

Mukul, S. A., Alamgir, M., Sohel, Md. S. I., Pert, P. L., Herbohn, J., Turton, S. M., Khan, Md. S. I., Munim, S. A., Reza, A. H. M. A., & Laurance, W. F. (2019). Combined effects of climate change and sea-level rise project dramatic habitat loss of the globally endangered Bengal tiger in the Bangladesh Sundarbans. Science of the Total Environment, 663, 830–840. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.01.383