Members of the Forest Department have recovered 134 deer carcasses from different areas of the Sundarbans in the last seven days after Cyclone Remal.
Mihir Kumar Doe, conservator of forests for the Khulna region, confirmed this information.
Besides, carcasses of four pigs were recovered from several areas, including Kotka, Kochikhali, Karamjal, Pakhi Char, Dimar Char, Shelar Char and Narikel Baria, till Sunday afternoon, indicating a great loss to wildlife.
The Forest Department also rescued 18 deer and one python in critical condition. After giving first aid, they were released into the forest.
Meanwhile, the Forest Department has begun assessing the extent of the destruction caused by Cyclone Remal.
Mihir Kumar Doe said: “Cyclone Remal’s rampage and tidal waves caused significant damage to the wildlife of the Sundarbans."
“During the cyclone, deer could not swim and take shelter at high places due to huge tides flowing into the Sundarbans. Height of tidal surges in the Sundarbans was almost eight to ten feet,” he added.
He mentioned that the initial infrastructural damage to the Forest Department amounts to Tk6.27 crore.
Divisional Forest Officer of Sundarbans East Division Md Nurul Kabir said deer were seen defecating around some closed offices. "This is happening due to the consumption of salt water."
Many of the deer are believed to have died as a result of drinking salt water, he added.