NAKHON RATCHASIMA: A large male gaur was found dead near a village in Wang Nam Khieo district on Monday. It was believed to have died of natural causes.
The gaur, which weighed about 800 kilogrammes, was believed to be from Khao Phaeng Ma mountain. It was earlier sighted on Sept 6 in bushes behind the temple at Khlong Sai village in tambon Wang Nam Khieo.
The animal looked very thin and weak, and was walking unsteadily. On Monday, the gaur was found dead in the same area.
The gaur's death was reported to the Protected Area Region Office 7 in Nakhon Ratchasima.
Veterinarian Pannarai Wongwatanakij and her team were sent to the village to examine the carcass.
She said the gaur was about 15 years old. There were no signs of its being attacked. Cracks found on the tip of the right horn were believed to be from fights with other gaur. All four hoofs were decayed, causing it to walk with difficulty.
Samples were taken from the carcass for laboratory examination and the results were expected in a week, Ms Pannarai said. The gaur probably died from old age.
The carcass was later buried.