Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Elephant Deaths: An alarming incident at the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Umaria has left wildlife officials and environmentalists concerned, as 10 elephants have died within three days. The tragic deaths have drawn the attention of the Central government, prompting the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) in Delhi to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
In response, the State Tiger Strike Force has conducted extensive searches, covering seven fields and seven houses, and detaining five persons for questioning. Early findings suggest poisoning may be the cause, though it remains unclear who administered it and by what means. Investigative teams are working diligently to gather more information.
Herd of 13 Elephants Suddenly Collapsed
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.
Post-mortems have been conducted on six of the deceased elephants, and samples from one have been sent to the Jabalpur-based School of Wildlife Forensic and Health for detailed analysis.
NTCA Officials Join the Investigation
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), with Central Zone AIG Nandkishore Kale, has dispatched a team to Bandhavgarh to join the investigation. Madhya Pradesh Chief Wildlife Conservator Vijay Ambade, following state government directives, has also established a five-member committee to examine the circumstances of the deaths. Preliminary analysis suggests the presence of Kodo toxicity as a possible factor. Authorities are probing whether the poison was administered intentionally or resulted from pesticides used in nearby crops.
Water Testing Underway
In addition to examining the elephants, the forest department is conducting water quality tests across all water sources and ponds within the reserve. They are scrutinizing the activities of recent visitors and locals, assessing whether poachers may be involved. Efforts are also underway to identify the specific pesticide or toxin responsible for the deaths. Samples are being taken from all the places where wildlife has damaged crops and sent for forensic investigation.
The investigation continues as teams work to uncover the full scope and cause of this tragic event, with findings expected to shed light on this mysterious loss of wildlife.