Around 50 wild elephants have been electrocuted by unauthorized electric fences or wires so far this year, according to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) of Sri Lanka on Monday.
The wild elephants, a symbol of Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity, are increasingly under threat due to human activities. The CEB expressed concern over the rising number of elephant deaths caused by illegal electrical installations, highlighting the pressing need for improved wildlife protection measures.
Unauthorized electric fences are often erected by local farmers to protect their crops from wildlife encroachment. However, these unregulated barriers pose a significant danger not only to elephants but also to other wildlife and even humans.
Conservationists are urging the Sri Lankan government to implement stricter regulations and provide safer, alternative solutions for human-elephant coexistence. The loss of these majestic creatures not only impacts the ecological balance but also threatens Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, as elephants hold a revered place in the nation’s traditions.
The CEB has called for increased public awareness and collaboration between communities, authorities, and conservation groups to address this urgent issue and to safeguard the future of wild elephants in Sri Lanka.
Reference(s):
Around 50 wild elephants electrocuted this year in Sri Lanka
cgtn.com
