Two elephants electrocuted

UDHAGAMANDALAM: Two elephants died of electrocution in the Gudalur range forests in the Nilgiris on Friday. According to district forest officer PK Dilip, a herd of seven elephants were roaming in Kothadipudi area near Devarshola in Gudalur range early Friday. "While the elephants were trying to grab leaves from an areca nut tree, the tree fell on a live-wire and it snapped. One male elephant and a female elephant were electrocuted. It was an unfortunate accident," he said.

While the male elephant was about 12 years old, the female was about 15-20 years old, the official said. Forest staff rushed to the spot after the incident was reported by the public. "We found a herd of five elephants. Later, they were chased away into the forest," he added.

A post-mortem was conducted at the spot and samples were collected for lab test. The carcasses were left in the forest area for natural decay. Meanwhile, wildlife activists said trees close to electric posts on forest boundaries should be identified and removed to avoid such accidents.

"In places like Nilgiris, soil is of very soft and earth is mostly wet. Tall trees with thin trunk have shallow roots compared to indigenous trees here," said an activist. "If the forest department removes such trees growing close to electric posts, it will be in the interest of both humans and wild animals, especially elephants," he further said.

A forest department staff said the department was vigilant about high-voltage live-wire fencing erected illegally close to forest boundaries.

Please credit and share this article with others using this link:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/two-elephants-electrocuted/articleshow/60127028.cms