Central government begins probe into elephant deaths in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Tags: Environment

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh

Why in news:

• Union Government initiates enquiry into the death of Elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh
• The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate change has constituted a team to investigate the death of ten elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh. 
• Further, the State Government of Madhya Pradesh has also constituted a five-member State level committee, to enquire into the matter and submit a report to the Government
• As per the preliminary information shared by the concerned officers from the State of Madhya Pradesh, the death of the elephants may be because of poisoning.

Cause of death:

• Initially it seems that poison may be the cause of death of these Elephants.
•  The final cause of death shall only be ascertained after through enquiry, detailed Postmortem reports, results of histopathological and toxicological reports and other corroborative evidences. 

What is the issue?

• The patrolling staff of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve detected the death of four elephants in Salkhania beats of Pataur and Khiatuli range of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh on 29.10.24.
•  On further combing of the adjoining areas, six more elephants were found sick or unconscious in the vicinity. The field staff and local veterinary officers started medication of the sick elephants, which was supported by a team of veterinarians from the School of Wildlife Forensic and Health (SWFH). 
• However, four sick elephants succumbed to death on 30.10.24. Further, even after continuous medication and treatment, remaining two sick and unconscious elephants lost their lives on 31.10.24
•  Out of those dead ten elephants, one was male and nine were female.
•  The viscera after the postmortem have been sent to IVRI Izzat Nagar, Bareilly and FSL, Sagar for toxicological and histopathological investigations on 01.11.24.