A 50-year-old female elephant was found dead deep inside a forest area in the Western Ghats along Watrap on Friday.Forest personnel, who were on routine patrol near Kovilaru dam, noticed a nauseating odour near Maruthamparai on Friday. When they traced the source of the stench, they found the decomposed carcass of an elephant near a stream under the Panchanthangi beat.Forest officials, led by Ravi, Deputy Director, Srivilliputtur-Meghamalai Tiger Reserve, inspected the spot. Veterinarians performed a post-mortem. “The death is due to natural causes, and the elephant did not have any external injuries,” Mr. Ravi said. The elephant is suspected to have died at least four days ago. It may have slipped while crossing the stream, the officials added. Published - July 05, 2026 07:54 pm IST