Alarm Over Mysterious Deaths of 10 Elephants in India’s Bandhavgarh National Park<br>Subtitle: Conservationists raise concerns as toxic millet consumption is suspected in tragic elephant deaths.<br>Introduction:<br>The tragic deaths of ten elephants in just three days at Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh, India, have sent shockwaves through conservation circles and raised urgent questions about wildlife safety and agricultural practices. As these majestic creatures, part of a larger herd, succumbed to what appears to be a case of toxic ingestion, the incident has sparked national outcry and criticism of government oversight. Understanding the underlying factors that led to this calamity is crucial for preventing future tragedies and protecting wildlife.<br>The Incident: A Rapid Decline<br>Between October 29 and 31, 2023, a herd of 13 elephants experienced a devastating loss, with ten members found dead under mysterious circumstances. Initial reports hinted at possible poisoning by farmers seeking to protect their crops, but investigations have leaned toward a more complex issue involving toxic crops. Senior forest official L. Krishna Murthy, leading the inquiry, noted that a toxicology report indicated the elephants had likely consumed a large quantity of decayed kodo millet plants, which were infected with a fungal neurotoxin.<br>The Toxic Culprit: Cyclopiazonic Acid<br>The toxicology findings revealed the presence of cyclopiazonic acid, a dangerous mycotoxin produced by certain fungi that infest kodo millet. While kodo millet has many benefits, including drought resistance and nutritional value, it can also pose risks if not properly managed. Studies have shown that the grains can frequently be infested with fungi, leading to potential intoxication in both animals and humans. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of agricultural practices and monitoring for mycotoxin contamination.<br>The Role of Weather and Human-Wildlife Conflict<br>Ecologist Raman Sukumar, an expert on Asian elephants, suggests that recent heavy rains may have contributed to the fungal growth on the millet crops. Elephants, with their excellent sense of smell, are often drawn to these fields. However, the mycotoxins they encounter are tasteless and odorless, making it difficult for the animals to avoid them. “My sense is that elephants tried to eat as much as possible in as little time as possible because they knew that farmers would chase them away,” Sukumar explained.<br>Block Quote:<br>“While many crops suffer from cyclopiazonic acid contamination, major adverse effects have been recorded only in kodo millet because of lack of scientific management.” — Raman Sukumar<br>Government Response and Future Prevention<br>In response to the alarming deaths, authorities have taken swift action by destroying kodo millet crops near the national park. The toxicology report recommended surveying and eliminating infected crops while also preventing both domestic and wild animals from accessing these fields. However, local farmers have voiced concerns, stating that they have grown kodo millet for years without any significant problems. This highlights the need for improved agricultural practices and education on fungal management to safeguard both wildlife and crops.<br>Conclusion:<br>The death of ten elephants in Bandhavgarh National Park is a tragic reminder of the intricate balance between wildlife conservation and agricultural practices. As investigations continue, it is imperative for both government authorities and local communities to work collaboratively in addressing these challenges. Enhancing scientific management of crops and fostering a deeper understanding of the impacts of mycotoxins can help prevent such devastating incidents in the future. The elephants of India are not just symbols of biodiversity; they are a vital part of the ecosystem that we must strive to protect.<br>

Conservationists raise concerns as toxic millet consumption is suspected in tragic elephant deaths.<br>Introduction:<br>The tragic deaths of ten elephants in just three days at Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh, India, have sent shockwaves through conservation circles and raised urgent questions about wildlife safety and agricultural practices. As these majestic creatures, part of a larger herd, succumbed to what appears to be a case of toxic ingestion, the incident has sparked national outcry and criticism of government oversight. Understanding the underlying factors that led to this calamity is crucial for preventing future tragedies and protecting wildlife.<br>The Incident: A Rapid Decline<br>Between October 29 and 31, 2023, a herd of 13 elephants experienced a devastating loss, with ten members found dead under mysterious circumstances. Initial reports hinted at possible poisoning by farmers seeking to protect their crops, but investigations have leaned toward a more complex issue involving toxic crops. Senior forest official L. Krishna Murthy, leading the inquiry, noted that a toxicology report indicated the elephants had likely consumed a large quantity of decayed kodo millet plants, which were infected with a fungal neurotoxin.<br>The Toxic Culprit: Cyclopiazonic Acid<br>The toxicology findings revealed the presence of cyclopiazonic acid, a dangerous mycotoxin produced by certain fungi that infest kodo millet. While kodo millet has many benefits, including drought resistance and nutritional value, it can also pose risks if not properly managed. Studies have shown that the grains can frequently be infested with fungi, leading to potential intoxication in both animals and humans. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of agricultural practices and monitoring for mycotoxin contamination.<br>The Role of Weather and Human-Wildlife Conflict<br>Ecologist Raman Sukumar, an expert on Asian elephants, suggests that recent heavy rains may have contributed to the fungal growth on the millet crops. Elephants, with their excellent sense of smell, are often drawn to these fields. However, the mycotoxins they encounter are tasteless and odorless, making it difficult for the animals to avoid them. “My sense is that elephants tried to eat as much as possible in as little time as possible because they knew that farmers would chase them away,” Sukumar explained.<br>Block Quote:<br>“While many crops suffer from cyclopiazonic acid contamination, major adverse effects have been recorded only in kodo millet because of lack of scientific management.” — Raman Sukumar<br>Government Response and Future Prevention<br>In response to the alarming deaths, authorities have taken swift action by destroying kodo millet crops near the national park. The toxicology report recommended surveying and eliminating infected crops while also preventing both domestic and wild animals from accessing these fields. However, local farmers have voiced concerns, stating that they have grown kodo millet for years without any significant problems. This highlights the need for improved agricultural practices and education on fungal management to safeguard both wildlife and crops.<br>Conclusion:<br>The death of ten elephants in Bandhavgarh National Park is a tragic reminder of the intricate balance between wildlife conservation and agricultural practices. As investigations continue, it is imperative for both government authorities and local communities to work collaboratively in addressing these challenges. Enhancing scientific management of crops and fostering a deeper understanding of the impacts of mycotoxins can help prevent such devastating incidents in the future. The elephants of India are not just symbols of biodiversity; they are a vital part of the ecosystem that we must strive to protect.<br>