Date:08/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/08/stories/2006090800350200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Coimbatore

Elephant and bison found dead

Staff Reporter

Female elephant died due to excessive bleeding during delivery
Bison succumbed to injuries received in a fight

Infighting during breeding season common among bison

Coimbatore: A 13-year-old female elephant and a seven- to eight-year-old male Indian Gaur (Bison) were found dead in two different places in Coimbatore Division, during the last two days.

On Wednesday, the officials received information that a female elephant had been found dead near a bamboo bush in the Anaikatti reserve forests along the Tamil Nadu - Kerala border.

Forest officials

The District Forest Officer, I. Anwardeen, deputed a team of forest officials and Forest Veterinarian N. S. Manoharan to the spot. On examination, it was found that the 13-year-old female elephant had died due to excessive bleeding in the process of delivering a calf.

On Thursday, a male Indian Gaur was found dead at Kunjappanai in Coimbatore, along the Nilgiris district border. The Gaur is said to have suffered severe external injuries and haemorrhage due to infighting within the herd.

Such infighting among the male gaur in search of a partner during the breeding season for biological ventilation was quite common, officials said.

The infighting had resulted in damage to the trees in the area. The injured gaur had rolled down a gorge after suffering serious injuries. The Forest veterinarian carried out post mortems.