Srilanka, Feb. 22 -- In the wake of reports that the famous tusker called 'Sando' in the Yala National Park has not been spotted for days, the Wildlife Conservation Department has initiated investigations to determine whether it is dead or not.

Environmental conservationists are alarmed especially after the carcass of a tusker was found, triggering speculation that Sando is no more.

Asked about its plight, a top official of the Department said the tusker commonly known by people as Sando is not always visible in Block 1 of the Yala National Park which is mostly frequented by foreign and local tourists.

"The Wildlife Conservation Department does not name elephants. Only environmentalists and animal lovers have given such names. However...