The iconic Mudumalai tusker Rivaldo has died in the Segur forest range, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department confirmed on Friday, February 13, 2026. The elephant, believed to be around 50 years old, had been a familiar and admired presence in the Sigur plateau region for decades.

Forest officials said Rivaldo had been ailing for the past few days in his home range of Vazhaithottam in the Segur forest range. He had reportedly sustained injuries during fights with other elephants. Despite efforts by forest authorities to monitor and treat him, the tusker passed away on Friday afternoon.

A Familiar Presence in Mudumalai

Rivaldo was one of the most well-known wild elephants in and around the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. Recognisable by his majestic tusks and calm behaviour, he had become an iconic figure in the landscape of the Nilgiris.

Unlike many wild elephants that occasionally come into conflict with humans, Rivaldo was widely regarded as a symbol of peaceful coexistence. Over the years, he lived in close proximity to residents of Vazhaithottam and Bokkapuram, yet he was not known to have attacked or injured any human.

Local residents often spoke about his predictable movement patterns and even temperament. His presence had become a part of daily life for many people living along the forest fringes of the Sigur plateau.

Illness and Final Days

According to Forest Department officials, Rivaldo had been under observation after showing signs of weakness and distress. Preliminary assessments suggested that he had suffered injuries during territorial fights with other male elephants, which are common in forest habitats, especially among mature tuskers.

Veterinary teams reportedly made efforts to monitor his condition and provide treatment where possible. However, due to the severity of his injuries and declining health, he succumbed on Friday afternoon.

Officials are expected to conduct a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death, as per wildlife protocols.

Symbol of Human-Elephant Harmony

Rivaldo’s life is being remembered as an example of human-elephant coexistence in the Nilgiris landscape. The Sigur plateau is known for its delicate balance between wildlife habitats and human settlements. In such areas, elephants often move through agricultural lands and village outskirts, sometimes leading to conflict.

However, Rivaldo was considered different. Despite living near habitations, he maintained a calm disposition and avoided aggressive encounters. Wildlife enthusiasts and forest staff alike described him as a gentle giant, whose movements were closely tracked and respected by local communities.

His passing has left residents and wildlife lovers saddened, as he had become an unofficial mascot of the region’s rich biodiversity.

Conservation Context

Mudumalai is part of a larger elephant corridor connecting forests in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. Mature tuskers like Rivaldo play an important role in maintaining the ecological balance of forest ecosystems.

Wild elephants face multiple challenges, including habitat fragmentation, competition for territory, injuries from fights, and occasional conflicts with humans. The death of a large, mature tusker is significant not only emotionally but also ecologically, as such individuals contribute to genetic diversity and herd dynamics.

Forest officials reiterated the importance of continued conservation efforts and community cooperation to ensure the protection of elephants and their habitats.

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