An elephant, aged about 13 years, was found dead at Mullachipallam in
Pennagaram forest on Saturday.
The tusker is likely to have died of dehydration, says the preliminary
report of the forest department. The elephant is presumed to be part
of the herd that is crossing the Pennagaram forest range over the past
few days and is believed to have died around Saturday midnight.
According to the sources, the carcass was sighted by the locals
grazing livestock inside the forest near Mullachipallam. An autopsy
was conducted by the department veterinarian Prakasam.
There is a strong drought prevailing in the forests. Mullachipallam,
where the carcass was found, is one such area affected by severe
drought. According to the department sources, if the drought
continues, the situation would become grave for the elephants by
February.
http://www.thehindu.com/