A discussion on toxicity related deaths of elephants in Sathyamangalam landscape was conducted recently involving Forest Department veterinarians and an expert representing SACON .
The meeting chaired by Chief Conservator of Forests Anwardin took stock of the causes for periodic deaths of elephants particularly in Bhavani Sagar range.
The discussion was conducted in the backdrop of evidence of forensic correlation of organophosphorus poisoning. It was assumed that the pesticide used for coconut tree borer was lethal and that the elephants must have died due to consumption of coconut leaves. However, the concentration of dosage was subject to analysis.
A protocol was established to collect samples kept in ice freezing and undertake chromatographic technique.
The participants decided to create awareness among farmers to use organic pesticide. The department decided to involve SACON for isolation of chemicals and quantification of dosages in future. Toxicology Expert Muralidharan of SACON, Forest Department Veterinarians Asokan, Vijayaraghavan and Manoharan; Assistant Director of Animal Husbandry Department Mariappan took part in the discussion.