Berhampur, Aug. 20: Poachers killed a 15-year old tusker in Sipakuda forest within Chilika wildlife division about 5km from Rambha in Ganjam district today.

Wildlife sources said that although the poachers had cut two of its tusks, they failed to take them away.

“The carcass of the tusker was covered with branches and leaves and we discovered it during early morning today,” said ranger Purna Chandra Guru.

The two tusks were cut and kept near the carcass. The tusker might have been electrocuted or poisoned. It will be confirmed only after the post-mortem report, he said.

Veterinary surgeon from Khallikote is conducting the post-mortem on the spot.

“We have kept the tusks at the range office. We will weigh the tusks after cleaning it thoroughly. But the length of the tusks may be one-and-a-half feet long,” said Vimal Acharya, divisional forest officer, Chilika wildlife division.

Acharya said it was a lone tusker roaming in areas within the Berhampur forest division and the neighbouring Chilika wildlife division.

About 17 elephants, including nine females, three males and five calves were killed in Ganjam district in the past one year. The deaths were reported from the forest ranges of Muzagada, Khallikote, Buguda, Gallery and Tarsingi. While seven were killed on railway tracks, six died of electrocution and the others to disease or old age, according to official sources.

A female elephant and its male calf died after coming in contact with electric wires laid by poachers at Karadabani forests under Gallery range in Ghumusar (North) division on October 6 last year.