Coimbatore: A special team from the Forest department began its investigation into the death of many wild elephants in the Sirumugai forest area.
Coimbatore: A special team from the Forest department began its investigation into the death of many wild elephants in the Sirumugai forest area.
A total of 10 elephants have died in a span of four months in the Sirumugai forest area, near Mettupalayam causing shock among the public and activists. Since all the elephants became ill, they could not consume food, lost weight and died one after another. The reason for the death of elephants could not be ascertained.
These deaths have sent shock waves amidst the wildlife activists who demanded action to prevent further death of elephants.
Following this a special team consisting of 20 members led by the District Forest Officer has been formed to identify the reason for the death of the wild elephants in the Sirumugai area. The special team commenced their research today.
However this move, without engaging anyone from the wildlife enthusiasts or NGOs has not been met well by those concerned about the sudden spate of deaths.
The department conducted a survey of the Sirumugai forest area such as Betthikuttai, Uliyur and Koothamandi forest areas and also conducted a survey of the elephant movement in the area.
The team was divided into five groups of four members, each and the food and water samples at the locations where the elephants died, have been taken for testing. The elephant dung has also been taken for testing.
They commenced investigations, especially near the Bhavani river areas in Sirumugai, where a shut down factory remains. Since elephant movement is noticed in this place, investigations are being conducted in an angle to identify if the elephants could have been consuming something poisonous at the factory.
The forest department workers entered the factory premises today and began an intensive search in the area to identify any source that could cause sickness in the elephants.
A total of 10 elephants have died in a span of four months in the Sirumugai forest area, near Mettupalayam causing shock among the public and activists. Since all the elephants became ill, they could not consume food, lost weight and died one after another. The reason for the death of elephants could not be ascertained.
These deaths have sent shock waves amidst the wildlife activists who demanded action to prevent further death of elephants.
Following this a special team consisting of 20 members led by the District Forest Officer has been formed to identify the reason for the death of the wild elephants in the Sirumugai area. The special team commenced their research today.
However this move, without engaging anyone from the wildlife enthusiasts or NGOs has not been met well by those concerned about the sudden spate of deaths.
The department conducted a survey of the Sirumugai forest area such as Betthikuttai, Uliyur and Koothamandi forest areas and also conducted a survey of the elephant movement in the area.
The team was divided into five groups of four members, each and the food and water samples at the locations where the elephants died, have been taken for testing. The elephant dung has also been taken for testing.
They commenced investigations, especially near the Bhavani river areas in Sirumugai, where a shut down factory remains. Since elephant movement is noticed in this place, investigations are being conducted in an angle to identify if the elephants could have been consuming something poisonous at the factory.
The forest department workers entered the factory premises today and began an intensive search in the area to identify any source that could cause sickness in the elephants.