Four wild elephants died under suspicious circumstances in Umaria's Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve on Tuesday. At the same time the condition of four is said to be critical. The incident took place in the Salkhaniya forest of Khitauli range at around 4 pm on Tuesday. After receiving the information, the Tiger Reserve team reached the spot. It is feared that the elephants may have ingested or been fed some poisonous substance.
Around 4 pm, information was received that a herd of 13 elephants was roaming in the forest. The health of eight elephants deteriorated. All the eight elephants fell unconscious on the spot. On this, a team of doctors and officials from Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve reached the spot. After examination, doctors declared four elephants dead. At the same time, the condition of the four elephants is said to be critical. The forest staff is also keeping an eye on 5 elephants in the herd.
Officials reached Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve after the death of elephants in the forest.
The patrolling team of the Tiger Reserve was the first to see Deputy Director Prakash Verma said that there are 60 elephants in the reserve, which roam in different herds. To take care of them, a patrol team patrols the forest every day. Between 12 pm and 1 pm on Tuesday, the team reported that eight wild elephants were lying on the ground. There is no movement in them. On this, five rangers from various nearby ranges reached the spot. A team of eight veterinary doctors from Barhi of Bandhavgarh and Katni districts also reached.
Fear of ingesting poisonous or intoxicating substances According to Prakash Verma, all the eight elephants fell unconscious within an area of 100 to 200 meters. Doctors say that the elephants have consumed some poisonous or intoxicating substance. Kodo-Kutki is also found in this area. It is feared that the elephants may have eaten over- or under-cooked kodo-kutki, which may also cause dehydration.
Five teams were formed to investigate the death The deputy director said that the dog squad has also been called to the spot. Five teams have been formed for the investigation. All the teams will check the suspicious places. Fields, ponds, elephant faeces and ponds will be checked. Apart from this, it will also be seen on the basis of the elephant's pug marks whether any poisonous substance has been consumed.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
