Alarm over death of 10 elephants in India national park

In a concerning incident at Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh, India, the tragic deaths of ten elephants over a span of three days have raised significant alarm among conservationists and animal welfare advocates. The elephants, part of a herd of thirteen, succumbed between October 29 and October 31, and initial investigations suggest that their demise may be linked to the consumption of kodo millet that was contaminated with a harmful fungus. This situation has not only captured national attention but has also led to criticism directed at the state government for its handling of the matter. L Krishna Murthy, a senior forest official overseeing the investigation, stated, 'The toxicology report indicates that the elephants had consumed a large quantity of decayed kodo millet plants and grains. ' Initially, there were unconfirmed reports suggesting that the elephants might have been deliberately poisoned by farmers attempting to protect their crops from damage. However, government officials have clarified that there is no evidence to support claims of intentional poisoning. The toxicology report revealed the presence of cyclopiazonic acid, a neurotoxin produced by certain fungi, in the samples taken from the deceased elephants. It is believed that the elephants ingested a significant amount of kodo millet, a crop commonly cultivated in arid regions of countries such as India, Pakistan, the Philippines, and parts of West Africa. Notably, Madhya Pradesh is responsible for approximately 35% of India's kodo millet production. This crop is known for its rapid growth, resilience to drought, and long shelf life, making it a staple in many areas. While kodo millet is recognized for its health benefits, it has also been associated with cases of 'intoxication and poisoning' due to the frequent infestation of grains by a specific type of fungus that produces cyclopiazonic acid. A separate study conducted by researchers at the Indian Institute of Millets Research indicates that while various crops can suffer from cyclopiazonic acid contamination, significant adverse effects have primarily been observed in kodo millet due to inadequate scientific management practices. The researchers suggest that implementing better practices, such as promptly drying harvested crops, could mitigate the risks associated with this issue. Following the unfortunate deaths of the elephants, authorities took immediate action by destroying kodo millet crops in the vicinity of the national park. This decision was made in response to the emerging reports linking the elephants' deaths to the consumption of the contaminated crop. Although there have been sporadic reports of animals dying after consuming kodo millet, such occurrences are relatively rare. Historical records indicate that in 1933, fourteen elephants perished in Tamil Nadu after ingesting kodo millet, as noted in a study co-authored by ecologist Raman Sukumar and mycologist TS Suryanarayanan. Mr. Sukumar, who has dedicated much of his research to understanding Asian elephants and the conflicts that arise between humans and wildlife, shared insights with the BBC regarding the elephants' behavior. He explained that elephants often venture into agricultural fields in search of food, and while they possess an excellent sense of smell, mycotoxins are both odorless and tasteless. '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,' he remarked. Additionally, he noted that weather conditions likely contributed to the fungal growth on the millet, as heavy rains in the days leading up to the elephants' deaths created a moist environment conducive to fungal infection. In light of the media coverage surrounding the kodo millet, authorities took further measures to destroy crops in nearby villages. The toxicology report recommends conducting surveys and eliminating any remnants of the fungus-infected crops while also preventing both domestic and wild animals from accessing these fields. However, local farmers have expressed their concerns, stating that they have cultivated kodo millet for many years without experiencing any adverse effects. Mr. Sukumar also emphasized that it remains uncommon for fungal infections to lead to mycotoxin production in kodo millet. 'The elephants were unfortunate this time,' he concluded, highlighting the need for continued research and awareness regarding the potential risks associated with this crop.