Death Toll Rises to 9 as Two More Wild Elephants Die in MP's Bandhavgarh; 1 in Critical Condition

Umaria: Two more wild elephants died in Mhya Presh 's Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve after consuming a toxic substance, raising toll to nine, anor jumbo is in critical condition, an official said.

“One tusker died on Wednesday and anor one on Thursday morning. One more is battling for life,” he told PTI preferring anonymity.

post-mortem examinations of eight elephants have been completed, while autopsy of ninth is currently underway, he said.

ditional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) L Krishnamoorthy said, "Autopsies have been conducted and veterinary doctors on basis on circumstantial evidences have said toxicity has been observed in ir stomach." "Also, a lot of kodo millet has been found (in ir stomach)," said Krishnamoorthy, who hes state government-appointed five-member committee probing death of tuskers in Bandhavgarh which is spre across Umaria and Katni districts in eastern Mhya Presh.

When pointed out that monkeys eat an enormous amount of kodo millet, but do not die, he said, "We have sent samples (viscera) of elephants to a Jabalpur-based school of wildlife forensic and health for examination." "Only forensic examination will reveal toxin," Krishnamoorthy said when asked wher de elephants h consumed some poisonous pesticides sprayed in field.

All de elephants were part of a herd of 13 which included one male jumbo that has died, he said.

According to wildlife experts, this is perhaps first instance in country where nine wildlife elephant have died in a span of three days.

On Tuesday, four wild elephants were found de in Salkhania and Bakeli areas under Khitoli range of reserve, a popular tourist attraction, during routine patrolling by forest guards.

After that carcasses of three more jumbos were found in Bandhavgarh, which is famous for tigers, but also houses elephants.

Krishnamoorthy-led probe panel has been asked directed by government to submit its report within ten days.

(with PTI inputs)