11 monkeys, including langurs, found dead in Karnataka’s Tumakuru forest, samples sent for tests

Tumakuru (Karnataka): At least 11 monkeys, including two langurs, were found dead in a forest region of Tumakuru district over the past two days, officials said on Monday.

According to forest department officials, the carcasses of nine monkeys and two langurs were discovered scattered across a stretch of around 200 to 500 metres in the Devarayanadurga–Durgadahalli forest area within Tumakuru taluk.

Forest officials reached the location on Friday evening after receiving information about the deaths, and more dead monkeys were located again on Saturday morning.

A post-mortem examination was conducted and prima facie findings suggest suspected food poisoning, as rice was found in the oesophagus and intestines of the animals, a senior forest official said.

He said the mouth and neck portions of the animals appeared bluish in colour, further raising suspicion of poisoning, allegedly due to consumption of decayed leftover food.

However, the officials ruled out any immediate signs of disease and said the exact cause of death would be confirmed only after laboratory analysis.

Samples of the viscera have been sent to a laboratory in Bengaluru and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for detailed examination, the official said, adding that reports are expected soon.

Authorities said further action would be taken based on the findings, while surveillance has been intensified in the area to prevent any recurrence.

PTI