What Happened to the Five Wild Elephants Found in Kerala’s Ernakulam Forests?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a tragic turn of events, the bodies of five wild elephants were discovered in Kerala’s Ernakulam district, including a calf and a pregnant female. This incident sheds light on the dangers wildlife face during severe weather events. Read more to understand the implications for conservation efforts.
Key Takeaways
- The carcasses of five wild elephants were discovered in Kerala following intense rainfall.
- Two tuskers likely fell from a waterfall, leading to their deaths.
- Community vigilance is crucial for wildlife protection during floods.
- The Forest Department is actively investigating the incidents.
- Historical context shows that such incidents are not uncommon in Kerala.
Kochi, Aug 8 (NationPress) The bodies of five wild elephants, including a calf and a pregnant female, have been discovered across three forest divisions in Kerala’s Ernakulam district after a period of severe rainfall and flooding in the area.
On Thursday, two tuskers were found lifeless in the Kuttampuzha forest range, located in the Malayattoor division, approximately 50 km from Kochi. Their remains were located in the Pooyamkutty River close to the Kuttampuzha panchayat.
Forest officials reported that the two elephants were around 15 years old and likely fell from the Pindimed waterfall.
An initial examination indicated signs of internal bleeding and fractured ribs, probably resulting from the fall and being carried downstream by powerful river currents.
The carcasses appeared to be approximately two days old.
A female elephant and her calf were also found near a waterfall about 20 km from the Idamalayar dam. Local residents from the Adichilthotti tribal settlement discovered the bodies and alerted the authorities.
Officials suspect that the two elephants may have lost their footing while trying to cross the flooded Idamalayar River and subsequently fell down the nearby waterfall.
P Karthik, Malayatoor Divisional Forest Officer, stated to IANS that four elephant carcasses were identified in the division on Thursday. He emphasized that there was nothing unusual regarding the deaths of these four elephants, which seemed to have happened due to flooding caused by heavy rain.
In a separate incident, a pregnant female elephant was found deceased in a stream at Ayyampuzha, near Angamaly, as reported by local media. The body was discovered in the Athirappilly forest area, which is part of the Vazhachal division.
Viscera samples from all five elephants have been collected and sent for forensic investigation. Following post-mortem examinations, the elephant carcasses were buried in accordance with established protocols.
This incident is not the first occurrence of elephant deaths during floods in Kerala. In 2018, numerous elephants were swept away in rivers throughout the Idukki and Wayanad districts during the devastating monsoon.
Similar occurrences were noted in 2020 within the Periyar and Parambikulam tiger reserves. The Forest Department has launched a joint investigation across all three affected forest divisions.
Officials have urged local communities to stay vigilant and report any further sightings or unusual activities along riverbanks.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the ongoing challenges that wildlife faces in the wake of climate change and extreme weather patterns. The incident in Kerala serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective conservation strategies and community engagement to protect our natural heritage.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the deaths of the elephants in Kerala?
The deaths of the elephants are believed to be caused by severe flooding and heavy rainfall, which may have led to their falls and subsequent drowning.
How many elephants were found dead?
Five wild elephants were found dead, including a calf and a pregnant female.
What actions are being taken by the authorities?
The Forest Department has initiated a joint inquiry across the affected forest divisions and is urging local communities to report any unusual sightings.
Have similar incidents occurred before in Kerala?
Yes, similar incidents have been reported during floods in previous years, highlighting the ongoing risks wildlife faces.
What are the implications for wildlife conservation?
This incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced conservation strategies aimed at protecting wildlife during extreme weather events.
