Radio-collared tusker found dead in MTR

Udhagamandalam: A radio- collared tusker was found dead on Thursday at the foothills of Thattalatty falls in Segur range of forests in Masinagudi division falling under the buffer zone of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) in the Nilgiris.
A habitual crop-raider, the 32-year- old jumbo was captured on June 12 in Hosur division of forests after it killed four people. The elephant was radio-collared and translocated near Mangalampatti of Bhavani Sagar range of forests in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR).
However, it was noticed on June 20 that the elephant had strayed into the territory of MTR buffer zone.
According to L C S Srikanth, deputy director, MTR-buffer zone, the pachyderm was monitored and tracked daily by a joint team of field staff of MTR and STR.
“The tusker was progressing well and we were concluding that it had adjusted well to its new home. The elephant was seen daily by the special team till Wednesday,” Srikanth said.
On Thursday, it was found dead in the Segur range of forests. Tusks are found intact, added the official. As the spot is located quite interior in the forest, the forest officials have planned the postmortem operation on Friday.
“Only after the postmortem we could say anything about the cause of the death of the elephant,” Srikanth said.