Udhagamandalam:
A 15-year old tusker and a deer were found dead yesterday in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve area, about 60 kilometre from here, Forest Department officials said.
The body of the tusker was found near Theppakadu in the Tiger Reserve area while the body of the deer in a forest area in Kallatti also located in the Tiger Reserve area.
The tusks of the dead elephant -- 114 centimetre and 113 centimetre long -- have been removed and are in the Forest Department's custody.
The officials are on the lookout for poachers after the deer was found dead caught in a noose placed in the forest area, department sources said. Besides the deer, a cow was also found dead caught in the noose.
Meanwhile, a four-and-a-half-year-old leopard was found dead two days ago in an estate in Coonoor after being attacked by bisons, officials said.