Female elephant carcass found in Deogarh forest, officials suspect natural death
Forest officials found a female elephant carcass in Deogarh’s Jharaberni Khesra forest and suspect natural death pending lab tests.
Forest officials discovered the carcass of a female elephant, estimated to be 9–10 years old, in Jharaberni Khesra forest near Jharaberni village in Deogarh district on Friday night. The Kundheigola forester reported the find to the Deogarh forest division at 10:35 p.m., prompting ACF (administration), Riamal range officer, forest staff, a rapid response team and the forest squad to secure the site. Officials and veterinary personnel examined the remains on Saturday, noting the animal likely died about ten days earlier.
What actions were taken after the discovery?
Upon receiving the report, forest officials rushed to the location. The ACF (administration), Riamal range officer, forest staff, members of the rapid response team and the forest squad arrived and guarded the carcass to prevent disturbance. Veterinary personnel joined the team to conduct an initial visual inspection before a formal post‑mortem was carried out. After the post‑mortem, the carcass was buried in accordance with standard protocol, and muscle tissue along with other biological samples were carefully collected for laboratory analysis. All actions were documented by the Deogarh forest division.
What is the suspected cause of death?
The elephant, believed to be between nine and ten years of age, is thought to have perished roughly ten days before its discovery. Following the post‑mortem examination, officials noted that there were no obvious signs of trauma or poaching, leading to a preliminary assessment that the death may have resulted from natural causes. Muscle tissue and other samples were dispatched to the Centre for Wildlife Health (CWH) at Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, for further histopathological and toxicological testing. As Swadhinata Sahani, ACF (administration), Deogarh forest division, stated, "The cause of death of female elephant is likely to be natural. We will send today the collected samples to CWH for further testing. The exact cause of death will be known after obtaining report from CWH, Bhubaneswar." The final determination will await the laboratory results.
What happens next?
The collected samples have already been dispatched to the CWH laboratory in Bhubaneswar for detailed analysis. Forest officials said they are awaiting the test reports, which will provide a definitive cause of death. Until then, the Deogarh forest division continues to monitor the area for any signs of distress among other wildlife and has reminded local communities to report any unusual sightings. Swadhinata Sahani reiterated that the exact cause will be known only after the CWH report is received, and that appropriate follow‑up actions will be taken based on the findings.
Where was the female elephant carcass found?
The carcass was found in Jharaberni Khesra forest near Jharaberni village in Deogarh district.
When was the elephant carcass discovered?
The carcass was discovered on Friday night and reported to forest officials at 10:35 p.m.
What is the estimated age of the elephant that died?
The elephant was estimated to be around 9 to 10 years old.
How long ago did officials suspect the elephant had died?
Officials suspected the elephant had died around 10 days before the carcass was found.
What initial steps were taken after the carcass was found?
Forest officials secured the site, guarded the carcass, and veterinary personnel examined the remains on Saturday before a post‑mortem.
Where have samples from the carcass been sent for analysis?
Muscle tissue and other samples have been sent to the Centre for Wildlife Health at Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar (CWH).
What is the preliminary assessment of the cause of death?
A preliminary investigation suggests the elephant may have died of natural causes.
Who provided the official statement about the likely cause of death?
Swadhinata Sahani, ACF (administration), Deogarh forest division provided the statement.
When will the exact cause of death be known?
The exact cause of death will be known after the test reports from CWH Bhubaneswar are received.
Manisha Naik
District Correspondent, Deogarh
Manisha Naik covers Deogarh's forest and wildlife beat, rural development, and local governance, reporting from the district headquarters.
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