Bandhavgarh jumbo deaths: Toxicology report points to fungus in kodo millets

News: The toxicological examination report from the Centre for Wildlife Conservation, Management and Disease Surveillance, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute has found the 10 elephants that died at Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR) had consumed a large quantity of kodo millet plants that were infected with a fungus.

1. The report has found the presence of cyclopiazonic acid in the samples of the liver, kidney, spleen, heart, lungs and intestinal contents of the elephants.

2. Cyclopiazonic acid is one of the major mycotoxins associated with the kodo millet seeds causing kodo poisoning.

3. The report advised a survey and destruction of the fungal infected kodo crop residue. It also emphasised on raising awareness among farmers and livestock owners in and around Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve regarding the fungal infection of the crop.

4. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is situated between the Vindhyan and Satpura ranges in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh.

5. It was designated a national park in 1968 and later became a tiger reserve in 1993 under Project Tiger.

6. It features the historic Bandhavgarh Fort. According to the folklore, the fort was given by Lord Rama to his brother Lakshmana in Ramayana.

7. Important flora species found here are Tendu, Saj, Dhaora etc. While faunal species include Royal Bengal Tigers, leopard, wolf, jackal, Nilgai etc.