The decomposed body of a female elephant was found in a forest area coming under Sirumugai range in the district today.

Based on information from the villagers, forest department officials, including veterinarian Dr. Manoharan rushed to the spot and recovered the carcass.

Preliminary examinations revealed that the elephant could have died due to internal infection. Some remains have been sent to Chennai for further examination, department sources said.

The body of the elephant, 20 years old, was buried at the spot at Vatchinampalayam.