• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

At least four wild elephants were found dead in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR) in Madhya Pradesh’s Umaria district on Tuesday, news agency PTI reported citing a forest department official. However, the exact cause of the deaths is not yet determined.

The carcasses of four elephants—a male and three females—were discovered by forest guards during a routine patrol in the Salkhania and Bakeli areas under the Khitoli range of the reserve, a popular tourist attraction. They were part of a herd of 13, and it is suspected that they may have consumed a poisonous or narcotic substance. 

ALSO READ: Bengaluru: King Charles III, Queen Camilla In City For Private Wellness Retreat | Details

Meanwhile, a post-mortem is reportedly being conducted at Jabalpur's School of Wildlife Forensics and Health. Apart from the four dead elephants,  four other members of the herd were found ill and are currently receiving treatment, according to Deputy Director Prakash Kumar Verma. 

ALSO READ: Maharashtra Showdown: MVA In Bind As SP Goes Big By Filing Nomination On Nine Seats; All Eyes On Withdrawal Date

The deputy director announced that Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve teams are closely monitoring the movements of a local elephant herd. Meanwhile, the official emphasized that the true cause of death for several elephants can only be determined following a post-mortem examination of the carcasses.

Recently, three elephants died in Chhattisgarh’s Raigarh, following which the DFO has taken departmental action and suspended a beat guard. A recommendation letter has been sent to CCF Bilaspur for the suspension of the deputy ranger.