Three elephant deaths in 10 days in Nilgiris not caused by lack of water: Forest department
The forest department in the Nilgiris has refuted claims that recent elephant deaths in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve were caused by water scarcity. Officials stated that the deaths were due to natural causes, including old age and injuries.
Why it matters
Clarifying the causes of wildlife mortality is essential for effective conservation management and public trust in environmental policy.
The forest department has disputed claims made by media outlets and on social media that the three elephant deaths that occurred in the Masinagudi forest range in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) were linked to lack of rainfall in the district.
Three female elephants died within 10 days this month between August 8 and 18, leading to speculation that the animals’ cause of death was linked to a lack of rains.
“Based on the investigations conducted and the assessment of the Forest Department veterinary doctor, all three deaths have been assessed to have occurred due to natural causes,” a statement from the office of the Deputy Director of MTR, Buffer Zone, mentioned.
The forest department stated that they found no evidence linking the deaths of the three female elephants to a lack of rainfall.
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