Days after ten elephants tragically died in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, believed to have succumbed to toxic ingestion of kodo millet, a lone 20-year-old male from the herd of thirteen is left grieving, unable to accept the devastating loss of its family.
The elephant, which has been observed returning to the burial site where the other elephants were laid to rest, has repeatedly interrupted the funeral proceedings. Eyewitnesses report it trumpeting loudly, flapping its ears and charging at wildlife officials who were in the process of burying its fallen companions. To complete the burial, officials had to deter the distraught animal using a JCB machine.
The scene at Bandhavgarh is somber, with officials and veterinarians expressing visible distress. One veterinarian, who has spent days performing post-mortems on the deceased animals, said, “It’s heartbreaking. The elephant kept trying to save its family, unaware they were already gone.” The emotional toll has been compounded by the continuous presence of the lone elephant, which remains close to the burial pits.
Pushpendra Nath Dwivedi, a former wildlife warden involved in monitoring the elephants since they arrived in Bandhavgarh in 2018, has been working with local villagers to prevent the elephant from straying into populated areas. Measures such as setting up guard posts and burning chilli smoke to discourage the elephant’s approach have been implemented.
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve became home to elephants in 2018 when a herd crossed into the area from Chhattisgarh. Since then, the population had grown, with elephants integrating into the region’s ecosystem and often returning to the reserve after seasonal migrations.
The recent deaths, however, have raised significant concerns. Experts believe the elephants consumed large quantities of kodo millet, which can be harmful in excess. Dr. P.K. Chandan, a senior wildlife expert from Chhattisgarh’s Kanan Pendari Zoological Garden, noted that kodo millet can cause severe stomach pain and intestinal haemorrhage in elephants if consumed in large quantities. The wildlife department in Chhattisgarh has already implemented measures to discourage farmers from planting the millet and offers support to establish solar-powered electric fences to keep elephants at bay.
In contrast, Madhya Pradesh has yet to implement similar measures. Local officials cited a lack of resources and funding for the state’s elephant conservation initiatives. A senior wildlife officer highlighted that in the absence of dedicated staff and proper equipment, it is difficult to monitor elephant movements or provide timely interventions. Villagers have also reportedly struggled with inadequate compensation schemes, which limits cooperation with wildlife authorities.
As for the lone surviving male, it recently returned to the burial site, accompanied by a new herd of around 25 elephants. The male elephant’s continued visits to kodo millet fields pose a concern to officials, who are working to remove the millet from the reserve. “It’s impossible to destroy all the kodo farms. This situation is dangerous for all elephants in Bandhavgarh,” Dwivedi remarked. “Elephants have incredible memories; this one will never forget the loss of its family.”
Wildlife officials remain on high alert, monitoring both the lone elephant and two other survivors, a ten-year-old female and a two-year-old calf, as they attempt to integrate them into new herds and shield them from further risks in the region.
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