Turf war at Pooyamkutti: Forest officials suspect second tiger

Ernakulam: The forest officials pointed out the intrusion of another tiger in connection with the death of a tiger and elephant at Pooyamkutti in Ernakulam.

Based on the testimony of the tribal people who saw another tiger in the area, the forest officials now assume that the fight took place between the tigers. They tried to eat the elephant which died of complications due to indigestion at least 10 days ago. In the fight, one tiger killed the other, it is assumed.

A tiger and an elephant were found dead in the Edamalayar-Pooyamkutti forest area a few days ago. It was assumed that both succumbed to the injuries sustained after they fought with each other. Tiger was about seven years old and the tuskless male elephant was around 15 years old.

The carcasses were found in Kulathupatti, a region adjoining the Edamalayar forest range and five kilometres away from the Variyam tribal colony. The carcasses, which were about a week old, were spotted by the beat forest officers of the Variyam forest department outpost.