Around 100 animal carcasses, including deer, have been recovered in the Sundarbans after cyclone Remal hit the mangrove forest on Sunday.
The carcasses of 96 deer and four wild bears were recovered from different places in Sundarbans till Thursday evening and the dead animals were buried at Katka Sanctuary, according to the Forest Department.
The animals were found dead in several areas including Kotka, Kochikhali, Karamjal, Pakhi Char, Dimar Char, Shelar Char and Narikel Baria.
Besides, 18 deer and one python were rescued in a critical condition and after giving first aid, they were released into the forest.
The concerned officials said that the water level of the rivers and streams increased by four to five feet and flooded the Sundarbans due to the cyclone Remal. As a result, these wild animals died drinking salt water. The exact number of dead animals can be known later.
Alongside the wildlife losses, damages to various infrastructures in the forest were estimated at around Tk 6.27 crore. An 11-kilometer area known as Gol Bagan was also damaged.
However, the non-monetary damages were even more severe, according to the forest department.
Over 100 ponds in the forest were flooded with saline water, causing distress to both wildlife and the local residents.
Mihir Kumar Dey, forest conservator in the Khulna range, said that the Sundarbans faced an unprecedented situation this time after the cyclone. It will take more time to ascertain the full impact and gather accurate information, he added.
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