Investigation Launched After 3 Elephants Found Dead in Tamil Nadu Private Forest; Total Reaches 6 Deaths in 3 Months

Forest staff discovered the remains of two adult elephants and one calf in an advanced state of decomposition near a water source.

Three elephants, including a young calf, were discovered deceased under unexplained circumstances in a privately held forest area within Vellore district on Thursday. This discovery has prompted a collaborative investigation between Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh authorities. The elephant remains were found in Bhaimala, a private forest adjacent to the Kondapalli Reserved Forest and in proximity to the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, which serves as an interstate elephant migration corridor.

Officials report that patrolling staff during their routine inspection identified "two old carcasses of elephant and one calf in a decayed state near a waterhole." The location falls within Tamil Nadu's jurisdiction, approximately 4-5 kilometers from the Andhra Pradesh boundary.

An investigative team headed by A. Periasamy, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests from Villupuram, accompanied by Dr. Sridhar, Forest Veterinary Officer at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, has been dispatched to the site to conduct a comprehensive assessment. A forensic unit from the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) is also supporting the investigation by collecting samples to establish the cause of mortality.

Considering the cross-border movement of elephant herds in this region, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests of Andhra Pradesh has assigned officers from the Chittoor division to participate in the investigation. "All possible samples will be collected and analysed so that the reason for death is ascertained," according to departmental statements.

The carcasses were initially spotted by local cattle herders from Sadhagur hill village—one in a water body and two on the nearby bank—who subsequently alerted forest authorities. Shortly thereafter, approximately 60 Tamil Nadu forest personnel and 13 officers from Andhra Pradesh arrived at the location to examine the scene.

These fatalities have triggered significant concern as the area has experienced multiple elephant deaths recently. Reports indicate three additional elephants perished in another section of the Vellore forest range, bringing the total to six elephant mortalities within the past two-and-a-half months. Local residents allege insufficient surveillance in the area, though forest officials maintain that a thorough scientific investigation is currently in progress.

With the exact cause of the recent deaths yet to be determined, the joint investigative team is expected to present initial findings after completing forensic examinations and post-mortem analyses. The forest department has committed to taking stringent action if any wrongdoing is confirmed.