Bhawanipatna: The elephant death toll in Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary in Kalahandi district went up to seven after the carcass of a calf was found on Saturday.
The carcass was lying near a stream on the outskirts of Ghusuriguda village.
Meanwhile, a three-member team, which had arrived in the sanctuary on a fact-finding mission, visited the spot.
The team informed that the dead calf’s viscera will be sent to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Indore to ascertain the cause of death.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that of the six elephants who died earlier, five were female and they were pregnant.
Although it was earlier said that the death of the elephants is due to haemorrhagic septicaemia, the team members said that the IVRI test will reveal the exact cause.
Stating that more investigation should be made to ascertain the cause of the infection in the sanctuary, the team advised the Kalahandi district administration to step up security measures for one more month to protect the lives of the elephants.
The team also praised the efforts of the Forest Department for the steps taken after the death of the elephants.
Also Read: Elephant Deaths: Central Team At Karlapat Sanctuary In Odisha’s Kalahandi
