Bengaluru: The Forest Department has directed its divisional officers not to burn the carcasses of wild animals in forest areas, except tigers, but rather to keep them out in the open as food for scavenger birds and animals.

In a circular, the Principal Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Vijaykumar Gogi stated that the carcass of wild animals (herbivores and carnivores) that have died of natural or unnatural causes (including in places of natural calamity) is being burnt. However, carcasses play a major role in providing food to different species of animals and birds.

He further mentioned that the natural decomposition of carcasses contributes to soil fertility and green cover. According to recent studies, an elephant carcass may increase nitrogen in soil by 1.5 feet from the ground and maintain bacterial and fungal growth for 40 months. Hyenas and porcupines might benefit from the carcass as a calcium source, he added.