Everything Everywhere Daily: History, Science, Geography, & More The Honey Hunters of the Sundarbans
Jan 12, 2026
Explore the perilous lives of honey hunters in the Sundarbans, where extreme poverty drives locals to brave encounters with deadly predators like Bengal tigers and crocodiles. Discover how deforestation pushes communities closer to danger and the valuable honey that entices them into risky hunts. Hear about the traditional Mawali rituals, their techniques, and the chilling statistics behind honey-gatherer fatalities. This gripping narrative uncovers the intersection of survival, cultural practices, and the harsh realities of living in one of the world's most dangerous ecosystems.
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Pirates Prey On Gatherers
- Local gatherers face piracy that extorts them and steals their forest goods.
- Abdus Salam said, "If we don't pay them, they will kill us mercilessly."
Shrinking Forests Increase Encounters
- Deforestation has pushed people and wildlife closer together, increasing deadly encounters.
- The Sundarbans' crocodiles and tigers now frequently intersect with fishermen and gatherers along creeks and banks.
Tigers Are Adapted To The Mangroves
- Royal Bengal tigers in the Sundarbans are large, fast, and adapted to swim and climb, making them uniquely dangerous.
- Honey hunters' smoke draws bees but also attracts tigers, increasing attack risk during harvests.
