Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Elephant Deaths: Death of 10 elephants in three days in Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve has alarmed wildlife officials and environmentalists alike. This tragic event has drawn the attention of the Central Government, leading to the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) in Delhi to examine the cause.
In response to the deaths, the State Tiger Strike Force launched a comprehensive search, covering seven fields and several houses, resulting in the detention of five persons for questioning. Initial reports suggest poisoning may be the cause of death, but the source and means of administration remain unclear. The investigative teams are working meticulously to gather more information to determine the exact cause.
According to the Forest Department, a herd of 13 elephants was seen roaming in the Khitauli and Pataur ranges when they suddenly collapsed within a 100 to 200-meter radius. Among them, one male and seven female elephants lost their lives in two days. Another two elephants died later taking the toll to 10.
The Forest Department reported that a herd of 13 elephants was roaming in the Khitauli and Pataur ranges when they suddenly collapsed within a 100 to 200-meter radius. Out of this herd, 10 elephants succumbed to the incident in a space of three days.
Two elephants which were undergoing treatment died in Bandhavgarh tiger reserve on Thursday. With this, total ten elephants out of 13 herd of elephants have died in three days.
The autopsy of nine elephants have been performed so far. The post mortem of remaining one elephant will be done on Friday.
The veterinary doctors, who have treated the elephants and performed their autopsy suspected that elephants have died due to microtoxin related to Kudo crop.
The actual reasons of elephants death could be known only after the forensic report comes out.
In the meantime, Special task force, the committee formed by the state government etc are doing intense probe to reach till bottom of the case.
Three others are reported to be in good health. Post-mortem examinations have been conducted on six of the deceased elephants, and samples from one have been sent to the School of Wildlife Forensic and Health in Jabalpur for further analysis.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), led by Central Zone AIG Nandkishore Kale, has sent a team to Bandhavgarh to support the ongoing investigation. Additionally, Madhya Pradesh’s Chief Wildlife Conservator Vijay Ambade, following state government directives, has formed a five-member committee to probe the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Early findings have pointed to potential Kodo millet toxicity, prompting officials to investigate whether the poison was deliberately administered or if pesticides from nearby crops inadvertently contaminated the elephants’ habitat.
The forest department has begun water quality tests on all water sources and ponds within the reserve. The department is also reviewing the activities of recent visitors and locals, with attention given to the possibility of poaching. Efforts are underway to identify the specific toxin or pesticide responsible for the deaths. Samples have been taken from areas where crops were recently damaged by wildlife and are being sent for forensic investigation.
The investigation continues, with findings expected to shed light on the cause of this tragic loss and provide insight into how such incidents can be prevented in the future.
