At least 11 monkeys, including two langurs, were found dead over the past two days in a forest area of Tumakuru district in Karnataka, officials said on Monday.

According to news agency PTI, the carcasses of nine monkeys and two langurs were found scattered within a distance of 200 to 500 metres in the Devarayanadurga–Durgadahalli forest area of Tumakuru taluk.

Forest officials reached the area on Friday evening after receiving the first reports of dead animals. When they returned to the forest on Saturday morning, more carcasses were discovered, raising concern among authorities.

A post-mortem examination was carried out on the animals. Initial findings suggest that food poisoning could be the cause of death.

A senior forest official said that rice was found in the oesophagus and intestines of the animals. This indicates that they may have eaten leftover or spoiled food.

Officials also noticed that the mouth and neck areas of the animals had turned bluish, which further supports the suspicion of poisoning. However, they said there were no immediate signs of disease.

To confirm the exact cause of death, samples of the viscera have been sent to a laboratory in Bengaluru and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for detailed testing. The reports are expected soon.

Authorities said further action will be taken once the lab results are received. Surveillance in the forest area has also been increased to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.