Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:47pm on 07 Nov 2024,Thursday International
The sudden deaths of 10 elephants in Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh, have raised concerns among conservationists. The elephants, part of a 13-member herd, died between 29-31 October, with initial toxicology reports indicating that they consumed kodo millet contaminated with cyclopiazonic acid, a fungal neurotoxin. Though early speculation suggested deliberate poisoning, officials deny any intentional harm. Heavy rains are believed to have promoted the fungal growth. Authorities have since destroyed contaminated millet crops near the park. "The elephants were unfortunate this time," said ecologist Raman Sukumar, highlighting the rare occurrence of such lethal fungal contamination.
