In a tragic loss of wildlife, nine wild elephants have perished in Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR) over the past week due to suspected toxic ingestion, with a tenth pachyderm in critical condition.
The fatalities have prompted the formation of a government-appointed inquiry committee.
“One tusker died on Wednesday and another on Thursday morning. One more is battling for life,” shared an official, who preferred to remain unnamed.
Post-mortem examinations have been conducted on eight of the elephants, while the ninth autopsy is currently underway.
When contacted, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), L. Krishnamoorthy, said, “Autopsies have been conducted, and veterinary doctors, on the basis of circumstantial evidence, have observed toxicity in their stomachs.”
He further noted the presence of “a lot of kodo millet” in the elephants’ digestive systems.
Krishnamoorthy, who heads the five-member committee probing the deaths, explained that samples of viscera have been sent to the Wildlife Forensic and Health School in Jabalpur for forensic analysis.
“Only forensic examination will reveal the toxin,” he said when asked if the pachyderms could have ingested toxic pesticides.
The deceased elephants were part of a herd of 13, including a male elephant.
Four elephants were initially found dead on Tuesday in the Salkhania and Bakeli areas within the Khitoli range of the reserve, a popular tourist site.
Subsequently, three more carcasses were discovered within the reserve's boundaries, renowned for its tiger population but also home to wild elephants.
Wildlife experts have remarked that this may be the first recorded instance in India where so many elephants have perished in such a short span due to potential poisoning.
Krishnamoorthy’s probe panel has been directed to submit a comprehensive report on the matter within ten days, providing crucial insight into the cause of the tragic losses within Bandhavgarh, which spans Umaria and Katni districts.
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