Between 2015 and 2024, Sri Lanka has witnessed a devastating toll from the ongoing human-elephant conflict, resulting in the deaths of 3,477 wild elephants and 1,190 people. This alarming statistic was disclosed in a parliamentary session by the Minister of Environment, Dammika Patabendi, on Thursday.
Minister Patabendi provided a detailed breakdown, revealing that from 2015 to 2019, 1,466 wild elephants lost their lives due to clashes with human populations. The situation intensified in the subsequent five years, with an additional 2,011 elephants falling victim to the conflict between 2020 and 2024.
The human cost of this conflict is equally tragic. During the same periods, 456 people perished from 2015 to 2019, and this number surged to 734 between 2020 and 2024. These figures highlight the urgent need for effective strategies to mitigate conflicts between human communities and wildlife.
The ongoing struggle underscores the delicate balance between conserving Sri Lanka's rich biodiversity and ensuring the safety and livelihoods of its residents. As the nation grapples with these challenges, stakeholders are called upon to collaborate in developing sustainable solutions that protect both humans and elephants.
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Over 3,000 elephants killed in Sri Lanka's human-elephant conflict
cgtn.com
