Sri Lanka’s escalating human-elephant conflict has resulted in 3,477 wild elephant deaths and 1,190 human fatalities over the past decade, according to Minister of Environment Dammika Patabendi. The stark figures, announced Thursday in parliament, highlight a worsening crisis as habitat loss drives wildlife into populated areas.
The Rising Toll
Official data shows fatalities surged between 2020-2024: 2,011 elephants died compared to 1,466 in 2015-2019. Human casualties followed a similar trend, with 734 deaths in the latter period versus 456 earlier.
Roots of the Crisis
Experts link the conflict to deforestation and expanding farmland encroaching on elephant habitats. Over 70% of Sri Lanka’s elephant population now lives outside protected zones, increasing clashes with rural communities dependent on agriculture.
Searching for Solutions
The Sri Lankan government has deployed electric fences and promoted sustainable land-use policies, but critics argue faster action is needed. \"Balancing conservation with livelihoods remains our greatest challenge,\" Patabendi stated during the parliamentary session.
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Over 3,000 elephants killed in Sri Lanka's human-elephant conflict
cgtn.com
