At least 11 monkeys, including two langurs, were found dead over the past two days in a forest area of Tumakuru district, triggering concern among forest officials and local residents. Preliminary investigations suggest food poisoning as the likely cause.
The carcasses of nine monkeys and two langurs were discovered scattered within a radius of about 200 to 500 metres in the Devarayanadurga–Durgadahalli forest area of Tumakuru taluk. Forest department officials rushed to the spot on Friday evening after the first deaths were reported, and more carcasses were found again on Saturday morning.
Food poisoning suspected
According to senior forest officials, post-mortem examinations have been conducted on the dead animals. Initial findings point towards suspected food poisoning. Rice was found in the oesophagus and intestines of the animals, indicating that they may have consumed leftover, spoiled or improperly discarded food.
Officials also observed bluish discolouration around the mouth and neck areas of the animals, further strengthening suspicions of poisoning. However, they confirmed that there were no immediate signs of any infectious disease.
“The exact cause of death will be confirmed only after laboratory reports are received,” a senior forest official said.
Samples sent for analysis
Viscera samples from the animals have been sent to a laboratory in Bengaluru and to the Forensic Science Laboratory for detailed analysis. Reports are expected in the coming days.
Forest officials said that based on the findings, further action will be taken, including identifying the source of the suspected contaminated food and fixing responsibility if negligence or deliberate poisoning is established.
Surveillance stepped up
Authorities have intensified surveillance in the Devarayanadurga–Durgadahalli forest belt to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. Forest staff have also appealed to visitors and locals not to feed wild animals, warning that human food can be fatal to wildlife.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about human interference in forest areas and the risks posed by improper disposal of food waste.