Umaria: A tragic incident has happened in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve of the district. Four elephants died here on Tuesday. A few hours later, three other elephants died. Three others have been found seriously ill. It is suspected that the elephants may have consumed some poisonous or intoxicating substance, which led to their death.
Experts reached the spot
As soon as information about the incident was received, teams of wildlife health officials and experts immediately became active. Along with Bandhavgarh, the forensic team of School of Wildlife Forensics and Health, Jabalpur also reached the spot. The sick elephants are undergoing treatment and their condition is being constantly monitored.
Information received during patrolling
According to the information, during routine patrolling on the afternoon of 29th October, the staff of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve found a total of 4 wild elephants dead in RF 384 and PF 183 A of Salkhaniya beat of Khitauli and Pator core range.
7 out of 13 died, 3 sick
After receiving information about this incident, several teams of the Forest Department started searching in the surrounding area. During this time, 5 other elephants were found lying on the ground in an unwell condition. A total of 13 elephants are said to be in this herd, out of which 7 including 1 male and 3 female elephants have died. 3 elephants are unwell and 3 have been found healthy.
Searching of the entire area is going on
The area is being searched considering all the possibilities. Wildlife health officers and wildlife veterinarians of Bandhavgarh and School of Wildlife Forensic and Health Jabalpur are providing all possible treatment to the wild elephants. The reason will be understood after the post-mortem. Teams of STF Jabalpur and Bhopal have also reached Bandhavgarh for investigation. The park management and wildlife doctors are also in constant touch with experts from the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. At present, the exact cause of death will be known only after the post mortem report comes.