Madhya Pradesh Jumbo Crisis: A Case Study

• 13 wild elephants appeared in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh in October 2013.

• Four of the elephants died, six were barely moving, and two died the next day.

• Post-mortem report suggested the elephants died after eating Kodo millet, a potentially deadly crop.

• Forensic examinations confirmed high concentration of cyclopiazonic acid in the elephants’ organs.

• National Green Tribunal issued notices about the deaths and the connection with Kodo.

• Concerns raised about a serious human-animal conflict in the region.

• Officials suspect a male elephant from the same herd.

• Kodo, a ‘wild cereal’, is popular among people with lifestyle diseases due to its high protein and fibre content.

• Limited research exists on Kodo’s relation with elephants.

• Forest guards lack tranquillisers or vehicles for attack protection.

• Lack of training team for working with wild elephants.

• Special enclosures needed to keep elephants away and treat injured ones.

• Satellite collars and thermal imaging used to track movements and locate animals.