Ailing tusker found dead in Ganjam forest

Berhampur: A sub-adult tusker was found dead in Ghaghara forest area under Tarsingi range in Ganjam district on Saturday. According to forest officials, the elephant, which had migrated from a neighboring forest division to Ghumusar, had been ailing and was under treatment for the past few days.

On Sunday, its autopsy was conducted. “The exact cause of the death would be ascertained after the autopsy test report,” Himansu Sekhar Mohanty, divisional forest officer Ghumusar (north), said.

“We have also collected different samples of the carcass, which will be tested at Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar. Both of its tusks, each measuring around 57cm, have been recovered,” Mohanty said.

In March, a sub adult female elephant died near Kadaligada village under the same forest range area, sources said. “Presently there are 74 elephants divided into herds which are roaming in different areas of the division and forest officials are keeping strict vigil on their movements,” Mohanty added.