Human-Elephant Conflict in Sri Lanka Causes Fatalities
Dangerous encounters between humans and animals searching for food in villages due to shrinking forest areas and a growing elephant population take numerous lives every year across the country.
Sri Lanka is facing one of the most severe human-elephant conflicts in the world, with hundreds of humans and elephants losing their lives in this struggle every year.
Frontline Struggle
Electric fences stretching along the reservoir in the northwest serve as the main defense line to protect thousands of families in areas close to the forest.
High Death Toll
Sri Lanka ranks second in the world for deaths caused by human-elephant encounters, while it ranks first globally in elephant deaths.
Shrinking Forest Areas
According to World Bank data, the country's forest cover has experienced a major decline, with the majority of wild elephants living outside protected areas.
Dangers in Rural Areas
Elephants heading to villages to find food lose their lives due to various reasons such as being shot, poisoned, electrocuted, or falling into wells.
Villagers' Struggle for Survival
To mitigate the dangers, local residents are changing their daily lives by delaying school hours and tracking elephant movements through WhatsApp groups.