Elephant Calf Skeleton Found in Ganjam Forest, Third Death in Three Months Raises Concern

Ganjam: Forest officials have recovered the dismembered skeleton of an elephant calf from Paichhalia Reserve Forest under the Gayaganda section of North Ghumusar Forest Division in Odisha’s Ganjam district.

The calf, estimated to be a five-year-old female, is believed to have died around two months ago. This marks the third elephant death reported from the same range within the last three months, raising concern among conservationists and environmentalists.

Wildlife experts examined the skeletal remains along with skin fragments found at the site. Bones, skin, and teeth samples have been sent to the OUAT laboratory in Bhubaneswar for further analysis to determine the cause of death.

North Ghumusar Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Himanshu Sekhar Mohanty and Tarasingi Ranger Prashant Behera visited the spot and are leading the investigation. Officials said the exact cause of death is yet to be ascertained due to the advanced decomposition of the carcass.

Earlier incidents in the same range include the death of an 11-year-old male elephant on May 10, reportedly due to illness near Gayaganda, and another tusker found dead on March 10 in Bhogara forest area.

The recurring elephant deaths within a short span in the same forest range have triggered concern among locals and wildlife conservation groups, prompting closer scrutiny by forest authorities.