Missing Ivory and Tush Reported in Kerala Elephant Mortality Probe

Forensic Findings in Malayattoor and Vazhachal

A recent inquiry into 14 wild elephant deaths occurring between August 6, 2024, and August 3, 2025, has identified a significant absence of ivory and tush among the remains. The report, spearheaded by D.K. Vinod Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests for the High Range Circle, reveals that eight carcasses were found without these valuable natural elements. Specifically, tushes were missing from five female elephants, while ivory was absent from three males. Data shows that ivory or tush remained present in only four of the recovered carcasses.

The investigation focused on the Malayattoor and Vazhachal forest divisions. While ivory was successfully retrieved from animals found in Kandanpara and Manikandanchal in early August 2025, three other carcasses were so severely decomposed that gender identification proved impossible. Despite the missing material, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has officially excluded human interference, poisoning, or poaching as causes of death. Dental socket examinations showed no signs of the forcible extraction typically associated with illegal harvesting.

Environmental Factors and Regulatory Response

The SIT attributed the fatalities to natural accidents occurring during the monsoon season. Most animals likely succumbed to traumatic injuries sustained by falling from steep, rain-slicked riverbanks or while attempting to navigate high-velocity water crossings. This finding holds particular weight given the region's history; ten years ago, poachers killed 16 tuskers in Malayattoor, prompting heightened sensitivity to missing ivory.

• SIT Recommendation: Authorities should immediately remove and secure tusks from discovered carcasses to prevent loss.
• Carcass Protocol: The panel suggests deep burial or supervised natural scavenging, alongside the preservation of skulls for future forensic verification.
• Terrain Obstacles: Malayattoor Divisional Forest Officer P. Karthik noted that rugged landscapes and heavy currents likely washed remains downstream or wedged them into inaccessible rock crevices.

Accountability and Official Inquiries

The Chief Wildlife Warden of Kerala, P. Pugazhendi, has formally requested a detailed explanation regarding a male elephant discovered on August 30, 2025, in the Kuttampuzha Range. The CWW is questioning why tusks were not recovered and whether a formal wildlife offense case has been initiated. This inquiry seeks specific documentation, including case registration numbers and a timeline of actions taken by field officers at the time of discovery. Further search operations for the missing ivory are currently stalled, pending a drop in local water levels to allow for closer inspection of the riverbeds.

Source: The Hindu — News