The recent deaths of 10 elephants over a three-day period in Bandhavgarh National Park, located in Madhya Pradesh, central India, have sparked concerns among conservationists.
The elephants, part of a herd of 13, died between October 29 and 31. A preliminary toxicology report suggests that the animals may have perished after consuming millet crops contaminated with a harmful fungus.
The incident has made national headlines and attracted criticism, placing pressure on the state government. L. Krishna Murthy, a senior forest official heading the investigation, stated that the elephants likely ate a large quantity of decayed kodo millet plants and grains.
Initially, there were unconfirmed reports indicating the elephants might have been poisoned, possibly by farmers trying to protect their crops. However, officials have ruled out the possibility of deliberate poisoning, as there is no evidence supporting this claim.
The toxicology results revealed the presence of cyclopiazonic acid, a neurotoxin produced by fungus, in the elephants’ system. This toxin is believed to have come from the kodo millet, a crop that grows in arid regions, including India, Pakistan, the Philippines, and parts of West Africa. In India, Madhya Pradesh is a major producer of kodo millet, which accounts for around 35% of the country’s total production.
Kodo millet is known for its quick growth, drought resistance, and long shelf life. It is also a nutritious grain with various health benefits. However, some studies have found that the millet can be toxic when infested by certain fungi that produce cyclopiazonic acid, leading to intoxication and poisoning in animals and humans.
Research from the Indian Institute of Millets Research notes that while many crops are susceptible to fungal contamination, kodo millet is particularly vulnerable. The institute suggests that better management practices, such as ensuring the crop is dried properly after harvest, could help prevent such contamination and its harmful effects.
While there have been a few reported instances of animals dying after eating kodo millet, such cases are relatively uncommon.
One of the most notable incidents occurred in 1933, when 14 elephants died near a forest in Tamil Nadu, a southern Indian state, after consuming kodo millet. This was highlighted in a report co-authored by ecologist Raman Sukumar and mycologist T.S. Suryanarayanan, published in Down to Earth magazine.
Sukumar, who has extensive expertise on Asian elephants and human-wildlife conflict, explained that elephants often feed on millets when they enter agricultural fields in search of food. Though elephants have a strong sense of smell, they cannot detect mycotoxins because these toxins are odorless and tasteless.
Sukumar suggests that the elephants may have eaten as much millet as possible in a short amount of time, knowing that farmers would likely try to chase them away. He also noted that weather conditions likely contributed to the fungal contamination, as the area had experienced heavy rainfall just before the deaths, creating a damp environment favorable for fungal growth.
Following media reports blaming kodo millet for the elephants’ deaths, authorities responded by destroying millet crops in villages near the national park.
The toxicology report recommended that officials survey the area for any remaining contaminated crops and eliminate them, as well as take measures to prevent both domestic and wild animals from accessing such fields.
However, local farmers pointed out that they have been growing kodo millet for many years without any negative consequences. Sukumar also stressed that fungal infections that produce mycotoxins in kodo millet are still rare. “The elephants were simply unfortunate this time,” he said.