Adult cow elephant found dead in West Bengal forest

COOCH BEHAR - Wildlife wardens have found the carcass of an adult cow elephant in the Chilpata Forest Range of West Bengal’s Cooch Behar District.

Bania Range forest officials were patrolling the area, when they discovered the dead elephant.

A Divisional Forest Officer and veterinarians were called in to determine the exact cause of death.

According to West Bengal forest officials, after the preliminary investigations, it was believed that the animal probably died from age-related problems.

“The animal was found dead lying in the middle of the forest by the rangers when they were patrolling. The elephant was lying lifeless. I along with others went to see it. The animal died its natural death; It is believed that it was almost 50 years old,” said Satish Chandra Lohar, a villager.

India has over 50 percent of the Asiatic elephant population, which are deeply revered.

A national census in 2005 showed there were 25,000 to 28,000 elephants in India, including 1,500 male tuskers of breeding age. (ANI)