9 elephants have died in Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in 48 hours; Seven were found dead on Tuesday and the body of the eighth was found on Wednesday. Seven of the dead elephants were females, each about three years old. The eighth elephant was a four-five year old male. Wildlife officials said that the condition of the ninth elephant out of the herd of 13 elephants is critical. The tenth elephant, which was being given medical care, has recovered and has been released.
Concern has increased over the possible reason behind the deaths of elephants in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. According to the information received, nine elephants have died so far, out of which one is undergoing treatment. Officials are awaiting forensic results to confirm the cause of these deaths.
What we know so far
Concerns over the health of the animals were first raised after four elephants from a 13-member herd were found dead in the reserve. Four others were also found ill during routine patrolling. Forest officials identified the herd and immediately began treating the affected elephants, while also investigating the remaining deaths.
Earlier, a government official, while giving accurate data on the number of elephants that died and how many others are undergoing treatment, said that “8 elephants died in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. 1 elephant is still undergoing treatment , 2 have recovered and 2 elephants are now completely healthy after successful treatment efforts.”
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investigation is ongoing
Meanwhile, taking cognizance of the urgently listed case, the authorities have started their investigation. Wildlife health teams from Kanha and Pench Tiger Reserves have joined the effort, and 14 veterinarians are currently engaged in the post-mortem and care of the surviving elephants.
A team of wildlife officers from the School of Wildlife Forensics and Health (SWFH) in Jabalpur is carrying out treatment, while Special Task Force (STSF) teams, along with a dog squad, are conducting searches within a radius of 5 kilometres. Samples of paddy, kodo and water from the area frequented by elephants have been sent to SWFH for analysis.
The STSF team, assisted by the dog squad, has also searched seven farms and seven houses near the reserve, and questioned five people in connection with the incident. Post-mortem of six elephants has been completed, samples of one elephant have been sent to SWFH for testing.
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Additionally, preliminary veterinary reports indicate that the elephants may have been poisoned by a millet called kodo, but final conclusions await forensic analysis. It is noteworthy that the Madhya Pradesh government has also given priority to the investigation, has resolved to explore all possibilities and take decisive action against those found responsible.
