Deputy Minister of Agriculture Namal Karunaratne has announced that the government will conduct a census of Toque macaques, peacocks, and pheasants species frequently blamed for damaging crops.
The census is scheduled for March 15, during which farmers will be given five minutes to count these animals on their properties.
Karunaratne emphasized that 16% of Sri Lanka’s total land area is covered by wildlife, and understanding why these animals are leaving their natural habitats and invading farmlands is crucial to finding a sustainable solution.
“We cannot solve this issue without addressing its root cause. The best long-term solution is to make forests self-sufficient, ensuring that these animals do not need to seek food in cultivated lands,” he stated.
