😢 Sri Lanka is grappling with a heartbreaking human-elephant conflict that's taken a heavy toll on both wildlife and people. Between 2015 and 2024, a staggering total of 3,477 wild elephants and 1,190 people have lost their lives due to this ongoing struggle.
Minister of Environment Dammika Patabendi revealed in parliament that the conflict has been escalating over the years. From 2015 to 2019, 1,466 elephants and 456 people died. Unfortunately, the situation worsened between 2020 and 2024, with 2,011 elephants and 734 people falling victim.
This tragic loss highlights the urgent need for effective measures to protect both humans and elephants. Conservationists are calling for sustainable solutions that can help mitigate these conflicts, ensuring the safety and survival of Sri Lanka's majestic elephants while safeguarding the lives of its people.
As the nation seeks a balance between development and wildlife preservation, the hope is to find harmony where both humans and elephants can coexist peacefully. 🐘❤️
Reference(s):
Over 3,000 elephants killed in Sri Lanka's human-elephant conflict
cgtn.com
