8 elephants die in 48 hours in Madhya Pradesh's Bandhavgarh : report

Bhopal: Experts in Madhya Pradesh are probing the reasons behind the death of eight elephants in 48 hours in the state’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.

An eight carcass was found on Wednesday adding to the seven animals already found dead on Tuesday.

Seven of the dead elephants, each around three years old, were females, while the eighth was a four-five-year-old male.

It is reported citing wildlife officials that a ninth elephant belonging to the herd of 13 is in critical condition.

A tenth animal that was receiving treatment was released after recovery and three of the herd are under observation.

A five five-member team from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests will submit a report in 10 days after a probe.

Meanwhile, a three-member team from National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is vising Bandhavgarh.

It is suspected that the primary cause of the animals’ death is poisoning.

Wildlife officials carried out searches in over dozen farms and houses where the animal carcasses were found, alongside questioning five people.

Over 100 forest officials, including a canine squad are involved in the probe in an area spread over a five km radius.

Officials are investigating if the animals consumed Kodo millet seeds, which could prove dangerous if contaminated with fungus, producing a toxic substance called cyclopiazonic acid.

Official have collected samples from faecal matter, soil, nearby plants, fields and crops, and a watering hole.

The investigation is facing challenges from the presence of more aggressive herd of 20 elephants and three tigers in the area.

Another concern is the possible man-animal conflict in the villages.

The Bandhavgarh reserve was in the news after 43 tigers died in Bandhavgarh and the Shahdol forest area between 2021 and 2023.

While some deaths were linked to poaching, procedural lapses and negligence by officials were also highlighted.