The carcass of a 15-year-old tuskless male elephant was found near a tribal habitat at Valparai in the district, in the early hours today, forest officials said.
Forest rangers and personnel on night patrolling noticed the carcass and informed higher officials.
Divisional Forest officer Ashokan and veterinarian, Dr Manoharan along with some department officials carried out an autopsy, officials said.
However, the cause of death could not be immediately ascertained and some remains have been sent for analysis to laboratories, they said.
