The 25-year-old tusker that was found dead in Bhavani Backwater spread area in Sirumugai on Sunday was suspected to have died of starvation.
On Sunday afternoon, the jumbo was found dead at Itchipaali Reserve Forest of the Koothamandi South Beat in Sirumugai Range in Coimbatore District.
On Monday, autopsy was performed on the carcass by veterinarian Devaraj in the presence of forest personnel and NGO representatives.
It revealed that the animal had suffered a fracture in the lower mandible, possibly during a bull fight, and it had forced the tusker to go without food for a few weeks. This could have resulted in death of the animal, District Forest Officer in-charge A. Periyasamy said.
Vital organs of the animal were collected and would be sent for chemical analysis. The remains were then buried in the same place.
On the rumours that a bullet injury claimed the life of the 40-year-old tusker on the Tamil Nadu–Kerala border at Eluthukalpudur near Pillur Dam on June 25, the DFO in-charge said they have not recovered any bullet from the carcass. "We are awaiting the post-mortem examination report and forensic report from the Animal Husbandry Department in Chennai, "Mr. Periyasamy said.
The 25-year-old tusker was found dead at Itchipaali Reserve Forest in Sirumugai Range
