In a troubling incident at Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, eight elephants have died within 48 hours, raising serious concerns among wildlife officials. Seven of the deceased were female elephants, each approximately three years old, while the eighth was a male aged between four to five years.
The alarming situation escalated when the carcasses of the seven elephants were discovered on Tuesday, followed by the eighth being located on Wednesday. Wildlife authorities have reported that a ninth elephant from the herd of 13 is in critical condition, while a tenth, previously receiving medical care, has recovered and been released back into the wild. The remaining three elephants are currently under close observation.
To investigate this unusual and tragic event, a three-member team from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has arrived in Bandhavgarh, alongside a five-member team from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, which is conducting an independent inquiry. Their findings are expected within ten days.
The primary suspected cause of death is poisoning. Wildlife officials have conducted searches across more than a dozen farms and residences in the vicinity where the elephant carcasses were discovered. They have questioned five individuals as part of the investigation, which spans a five-kilometer radius. Over 100 forest officials, including a canine squad, have been deployed to assist in the inquiry.
Investigators are exploring the possibility that the elephants may have ingested Kodo millet seeds, which can pose a risk if contaminated with a fungus producing a toxic substance known as cyclopiazonic acid. To this end, samples have been collected from fecal matter, soil, and nearby vegetation. Additionally, samples from local fields and crops, as well as a nearby watering hole, will undergo analysis.
Concerns have also been raised regarding potential man-animal conflict with local villages, which could complicate the investigation. However, officials face challenges due to the presence of a larger and more aggressive herd of approximately 20 elephants in the area, as well as three tigers.
In light of the circumstances, the bodies of the eight elephants have been buried. This incident comes on the heels of increased scrutiny at the Bandhavgarh reserve, which was previously in the news due to a spate of tiger deaths that prompted a significant administrative shake-up. A special report in August revealed procedural lapses and negligence by officials in the management of tiger deaths, drawing attention to the need for improved oversight and care within the reserve.
The situation remains under close watch as officials continue to investigate the mysterious deaths of these majestic animals in Bandhavgarh.
Sources By Agencies
