Why were 11 monkeys found dead in Tumakuru's forest?

Initial findings suggest the monkeys may have died from suspected food poisoning after consuming decayed food.

What is being done about the monkey deaths in Tumakuru?

Samples have been sent for lab analysis, and surveillance in the forest area has been intensified.

Have diseases been ruled out as a cause for the Tumakuru monkey deaths?

Officials have not found immediate signs of disease, but lab tests are pending to confirm the exact cause.

Home / Environment / Tumakuru Forest: 11 Monkeys Die From Suspected Poisoning

Tumakuru Forest: 11 Monkeys Die From Suspected Poisoning

5 Jan

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Summary

11 monkeys, including two langurs, were found dead in Tumakuru's forest.
Suspected food poisoning is the cause, with rice found in the animals.
Samples sent for lab analysis; surveillance intensified to prevent recurrence.

Tumakuru Forest: 11 Monkeys Die From Suspected Poisoning

In a distressing incident within the Devarayanadurga-Durgadahalli forest area of Tumakuru, the carcasses of eleven monkeys, comprising nine monkeys and two langurs, were discovered over a two-day period. Forest officials were alerted on Friday evening, January 2, 2026, and continued to find more deceased animals on Saturday morning.

Preliminary examinations indicate suspected food poisoning as the cause of these animal deaths. The presence of rice in the oesophagus and intestines, along with a bluish discoloration of the mouth and neck, points towards consumption of decayed leftover food. However, officials have ruled out immediate signs of disease, awaiting laboratory results for confirmation.

Viscera samples have been dispatched to laboratories in Bengaluru for detailed examination. Authorities have pledged to take further action based on the forthcoming results and have enhanced surveillance in the affected forest region to prevent any future occurrences.