Baripada, Nov 22: A young tusker was found dead in the Betanashia village area of the Saramula Reserved Forest under the Rasgovindpur Range. Forest officials estimate the age of the elephant to be between 8 and 10 years. The exact cause of death, however, remains unknown.

Upon receiving information, the Ranger, DFO, and forest department personnel reached the spot and launched an investigation. Officials said the cause of death will be ascertained after a post-mortem examination.

According to forest department sources, more than 30 elephants from Jharkhand are currently roaming in the Saramula Reserved Forest. With the elephant population steadily declining, frequent human-elephant conflicts in the region continue to threaten the survival of these gentle giants.