Elephant calf spotted with injuries near Tamil Nadu–Keralam border dies
An ailing elephant calf, which was monitored by forest officials after getting separated from its herd near the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border, was found dead. Veterinarians concluded that the calf died from deep puncture wounds likely inflicted by a tiger.
Why it matters
Wildlife monitoring and human-animal conflicts in border forest ranges highlight ongoing challenges in wildlife conservation and veterinary intervention.
An ailing elephant calf that was roaming with its mother and two other female elephants in Madukkarai forest range of the Coimbatore Forest Division for the past few days was found dead on Wednesday (September 23). Veterinarians said the calf succumbed to injuries inflicted by a carnivore, possibly a tiger.
The limping calf was first seen along with its herd at Pudupathy in Solakkarai forest beat of Madukkarai range on September 18.
A team headed by Madukkarai Forest Range Officer R. Arun Kumar continuously monitored the calf till Tuesday night. Frontline staff monitored the calf from a distance during the day and using drones fitted with thermal imaging cameras at night. When the team attempted to approach the calf to check its condition, the herd chased them and veterinarians on a few occasions.
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