The carcass of a two-year-old female Dugong was found washed ashore at Thalaithoppu, near Periyapattinam on Friday morning.
Forest officials said an area watcher who was on an anti-poaching mission on the shore found the carcass washed ashore with injury on its forehead. On being alerted, Range officer, accompanied by Dr. M. Mohamed Nizamudhin, Veterinary Assistant Surgeon, Valantharavai, inspected the carcass and burnt and buried it after post mortem.
Dr. Nizamudhin said the marine mammal, weighing 220 kg, could have died due to head injury and internal bleeding. It could have hit against a rock or a propeller, he said.
There was also an aberration in the abdomen, suggesting that it could have been attacked by Thirukkai fish with its poisonous sting but that could not have been the cause of death, he added.
Mr Ganesalingam said the Dugong measured 2.5 metres long with a circumference measuring 289 cm. Carcass of Dugong getting washed ashore in the Palk Bay was common and this was the first time in recent years, the carcass was found washed ashore in the Gulf of Mannar region, he said.
