In addition to the alarming figures shared by Sameera Weeratunga, the continuing threat to Sri Lanka’s wild elephants has raised serious concerns among conservationists and wildlife protection agencies. Elephants in the country are increasingly facing the risks of human-induced dangers, including poaching, electrocution from illegal fences, and conflict with farmers due to crop raiding.
The case of Deega Dantu 1, the tusk-headed elephant who died after getting caught in an illegally installed electric fence in Andiyagala, highlights the growing problem of the human-elephant conflict. These electric fences, often erected by farmers to protect their crops, have become a major threat to elephants who roam through human settlements and agricultural areas. Such fences are not only dangerous but also illegal, as they violate wildlife protection laws. The tragic incident of Deega Dantu 1 is just one example of many similar occurrences where elephants are either injured or killed due to human negligence.
Weeratunga further pointed out that the shrinking of natural elephant habitats due to deforestation and the encroachment of human settlements into wildlife territories has exacerbated the problem. As elephants lose access to their natural food sources in the wild, they are increasingly forced to raid local gardens and crops in search of food, which inevitably leads to clashes with humans. Farmers, facing damage to their crops, sometimes take retaliatory action against the animals, contributing to the escalating death toll.
The researcher also revealed that a significant number of elephants have been killed in road accidents, as they attempt to cross highways or railway tracks in search of food or water. Collisions with vehicles and trains are another major cause of elephant fatalities in Sri Lanka.
The high death toll has drawn attention from both local and international wildlife conservation organizations. There are calls for stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws, increased patrols in sensitive wildlife areas, and better management of human-elephant interactions. Additionally, efforts to improve elephant corridors, reduce the use of electric fences, and promote sustainable farming practices that coexist with wildlife are being advocated as crucial steps to prevent further deaths.
Government officials and conservationists are now urging for a more integrated approach to protect both elephants and the livelihoods of local farmers. Public awareness campaigns are also being promoted to educate the public on the importance of conserving Sri Lanka’s wild elephant population, which is an integral part of the island’s rich biodiversity.
