The death of a tiger at Thengumorahada in a remote part of the Nilgiris district and an elephant at Singara near Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) kept forest officials and wildlife enthusiasts on their toes on Monday.
Speaking to The Hindu , District Forest Officer, the Nilgiris North, S. Ramasubramaniam, said that on being informed that the carcass of a tiger had been found by the side of a river at Pudhukaadu near Thengumorahada, a team of forest officials reached the spot for investigation.
The carcass of the female tiger aged about 12 to 13 years was in a decomposed state. It was presumed to have died about five days ago.
Its claws and teeth were intact. A post-mortem examination by forest veterinarian Manoharan revealed that it had died of natural causes.
Official sources said that the carcass of the male elephant aged 3-4 years was found near Singara.