Elephants in Bandhavgarh Not Poisoned; Kodo Millet Identified as Source of Toxicity

In Madhya Pradesh's Bandhavgarh reserve, ten elephants died recently. A senior forest official clarified that these deaths were not due to poisoning. The neurotoxin cyclopiazonic acid was detected in the elephants' viscera. However, it originated from consuming large amounts of Kodo millet plants.

On October 29, four elephants were initially discovered dead in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, located in Umaria district. This number later rose to ten. L Krishnamoorthy, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Wildlife, led a government-formed probe panel to investigate the incident.

Investigation Findings and Toxicity Reports

The Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly provided a toxicity report on the viscera samples. According to Krishnamoorthy, the report did not detect nitrate-nitrite, heavy metals, or pesticides such as organophosphate, organochlorine, pyrethroid, and carbamate.

"Cyclopiazonic acid, however, was found in the elephants though the exact level of toxicity was being ascertained," Krishnamoorthy stated. He emphasized that there was no evidence of insecticide or pesticide poisoning.

Clarifications and Advisory Issued

The report confirmed that the toxicity resulted from consuming large quantities of Kodo millet plants. "The report clearly suggested there was no poisoning as alleged," Krishnamoorthy mentioned. Further clarity on all causes of death is expected after receiving reports from other institutions.

The IVRI also issued an advisory recommending against cattle grazing on lands with spoiled crops. This measure aims to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Previously, the main Opposition Congress had accused authorities of poisoning the elephants. However, the findings have dispelled these allegations by confirming natural causes related to diet.