About Bandhavgarh Jumbo Deaths
- The elephants died from toxicity caused by eating large amounts of kodo millet that was infected with a fungus.
- The Indian Veterinary Research Institute (Bareilly, UP) analysed samples from the elephants and found cyclopiazonic acid in their systems.
About Kodo Millet
- Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum) is a drought-resistant crop, predominantly grown in dry and semi-arid regions in India and Africa.
- It is a rich source of fibre, protein and essential minerals.
- However, under certain environmental conditions (like high humidity or during spring and summer), it becomes more susceptible to fungal contamination which can produce Cyclopiazonic Acid (CPA).
- Cyclopiazonic Acid is a mycotoxin produced by certain strains of fungi, particularly Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium species.
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