Poisonous plant killed 51 cheetals in Kanha

BHOPAL: Regular consumption of Lantana camara, a poisonous plant found in abundance in the forest areas, has been found to be the cause behind the death of 51 spotted deers (cheetals) kept in a 35 acre-enclosure at the Kanha Tiger Reserve. The deers kept as prey stock for hand-reared tiger cubs died between January 4 and 16.

Initially it was suspected that the deers died of cold and malnutrition. Consumption of Lantana camara – plant which contains pentacyclic triterpenoids (akin to steroids) - in starvation led to the death of the spotted deers revealed investigations carried out by Jabalpur veterinary college experts.

Fearing an adverse impact on big cats population, veterinary experts have asked KTR officials to not to send remaining deer’s from enclosure as prey to the tigers.

“All remaining deer’s in the enclosure have infected livers and offering them as prey may be dangerous to tigers also,” said a veterinary expert wishing anonymity.

Chemical named triterpenes in Lantana causes liver damage in animals when enough leaves are consumed, he said adding symptoms of poisoning include muscle weakness, gastrointestinal problems, lethargy, and cardiac collapse.

The major effect of Lantana is photosensitization, in acute cases death occurs in 2 to 4 days, whereas in sub-acute cases death may occur after 1 to 3 weeks of illness and weight loss.When contacted KTR director J S Chouhan said; “Tiger cubs have nine deers in their enclosure, so we don’t need to shift more,” he told TOI.