Malaysia: Wildlife authorities rapped over jumbo deaths

The Star 8 Dec 18;

FIVE wild elephants were electrocuted between June and November as a result of low-hanging transmission cables in Tamil Nadu, Tamil Nesan reported.

Two died in September after coming into contact with power lines, a court heard recently from forestry department officials.

The latest death occurred in the Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu’s Theni district, a haven for more than 60 endangered wildlife such as cheetahs and deers, as well as rare and protected trees.

After the deaths were reported widely in the media, the court held a hearing with a two-man panel.

The panel also ordered the state electricity board’s chief to submit a report addressing the issue.