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Panther found dead in Sirumugai forests

By V.S. Palaniappan

Coimbatore June 27. A four-year-old female panther was found dead in the Odanthurai region of the Sirumugai reserve forests near Mettuppalayam, about 50 km from here.

According to Forest department sources, the Mettuppalayam forest range office received information on the panther last night.

The Conservator of Forests, Coimbatore Circle, T. Sekar, the District Forest Officer, P. Durairasu, and a veterinary surgeon visited the spot, under security cover provided by the Special Task Force.

The panther was cremated after a post-mortem. The normal life span of panthers was 15 years. Samples of the animal's liver, stomach, intestine, lungs and heart were sent for a forensic examination at the Tamil Nadu Veterinary University, Chennai.

Dr. Sekar and Mr. Durairasu told The Hindu that the panther's canines, 18 nails, molar and the skin were intact. Hence, it could not have been a case of poaching. As the fur started withering, the death must have happened at least three days ago. The carcass indicated that the animal was healthy. Therefore, the panther could not have been suffering from any ailment.

The carcass was found under a shrub and it is suspected that it might have been dragged for at least ten feet by another animal, the conservator said.

He also said forest guards and the STF personnel searched the area thoroughly and found no confirmation of reports that the carcasses of deer and elephants were found nearby.

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