Daijiworld Media Network – Kadaba (MS)

Kadaba, Apr 13: The lifeless body of a crocodile was spotted floating below the Pulikukku bridge on the Panja-Kadaba road along the Kumaradhara river.

Members of the public who observed the carcass, estimated to be 1.5 to 2 years old, alerted the forest department about the discovery. It is believed that the crocodile may have perished either during the daytime or overnight on Thursday, as its remains were observed floating on Friday.

Crocodiles typically have a lifespan of up to 60 years. There are suspicions that the extreme heat, coupled with the significant reduction in water flow in the Kumaradhara river, may have led to the crocodile's demise. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the potential impact of water pollution on wildlife in the area.

Upon receiving the report, officials and personnel from the forest department swiftly arrived at the scene to retrieve the carcass from the river. Rumors have circulated suggesting that individuals may have been using chemicals to catch fish in the river, potentially contributing to the crocodile's death.

The public has urged forest department officials to take measures to safeguard the Mahashir species of fish, also known as Devara Meenu, which inhabit the waters near the Nakoor Gaya area, close to where the crocodile carcass was discovered.

A zonal forest officer for Panja, stated, "The exact cause of the crocodile's death remains unknown. While fish have been observed swimming in the water near the location where the carcass was found, they have not been affected. Although the possibility of the crocodile succumbing to injuries sustained during a confrontation with another animal cannot be ruled out, no visible signs of injury were detected on the body. A post-mortem examination by a veterinarian will be necessary to determine the precise cause of death."