The carcass found almost near to a place in Nadukani pass where tourists and passengers used to take a break. (Representational image)

MALAPPURAM: The decomposed carcass of a wild elephant has been found in Thenpara area of Nadukani pass near Vazhikkadavu in the district.

The medical examination of the corpse has found a huge pile of plastic waste which came out of the elephant’s intestine. Veterinary surgeon D. Ramachandran said the consumption of a large amount of the plastic waste could be the cause of jumbo’s death. The carcass was at least three months old. The age of the animal seems to be around 26 years, he said.

The body was decomposed. According to forest officials, this was the first wild elephant died after consuming plastic wastes.

The carcass found almost near to a place in Nadukani pass where tourists and passengers used to take a break. They dump plastic wastes including bottles of soft drinks and packets of food items here carelessly which has become a threat to wild animals in the forest region.

The remains of the animal were buried inside the forest after the inquest by the forest officials.