Tragic news from Sri Lanka as the ongoing human-elephant conflict continues to take a heavy toll on both wildlife and people. Between 2015 and 2024, a staggering 3,477 wild elephants and 1,190 individuals lost their lives in this heartbreaking struggle.
Minister of Environment Dammika Patabendi revealed in parliament that from 2015 to 2019 alone, 1,466 wild elephants were killed. The situation worsened in the subsequent five years, with an additional 2,011 elephants succumbing to the conflict from 2020 to 2024.
Human casualties are equally concerning. During the 2015-2019 period, 456 people lost their lives, and this number surged to 734 between 2020 and 2024. These numbers highlight the urgent need for effective strategies to mitigate the conflict and protect both humans and elephants.
Efforts are being made to address the issue, but the rising numbers indicate that more comprehensive solutions are necessary to ensure the safety and coexistence of humans and these magnificent creatures. 🐘❤️
