More substantial measures needed to protect elephants

18 October 2023 12:00 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 5 Bookmark

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It has been recorded, that on average, at least one elephant falls victim to slaughter daily in Sri Lanka
The dwindling elephant population in Sri Lanka has rapidly pushed these once-abundant species to the brink of being classified as ‘endangered’
It is imperative that we join forces and give a voice to these voiceless beings

The recent surge in elephant deaths in Sri Lanka has reached an alarming rate. As of July 14, 2023, an estimated 238 elephants have met with untimely deaths due to ‘unidentified reasons.’

While the comprehensive data on elephant mortalities leading up to October this year is yet to be disclosed, it has been recorded, that on average, at least one elephant falls victim to slaughter daily in Sri Lanka. The primary causes of these tragic deaths appear to be gunshots and electrocutions from electric fences. These elephants are subject to such treacherous harassment on a daily basis.
A distressing incident occurred on September 30, 2023 when a wildlife officer purportedly shot a female elephant by mistake. The animal had been part of the annual Esala Perahera (Pageant) of Mahiyanganaya Rajamaha Viharaya. Although the wildlife officer in question has been placed under arrest by the Mahiyanganaya Police, it is crucial to query whether more substantial measures should be implemented to address this critical issue.
The dwindling elephant population in Sri Lanka has rapidly pushed these once-abundant species to the brink of being classified as ‘endangered.’ If Sri Lanka indeed imposes a death penalty for the unlawful killing of elephants one might reasonably ask why we do not witness a more robust application of this punitive measure against the numerous individuals responsible for these grievous acts? If we do not take serious action, Sri Lanka could potentially be devoid of elephants. Aren’t these animals living beings too? Don’t their rights deserve to be preserved? Should we not collectively strive to safeguard these defenseless creatures? It is imperative that we join forces and give a voice to these voiceless beings. Timely and decisive action is necessary, for the alternative may well result in irreversible consequences.

Comments - 5

Umar Wednesday, 18 October 2023 07:25 AM

Who monitors elephant populations, health and welfare in Sri Lanka? Where are the accountability standards for all who work in wildlife conservation and security - including the major reservations of Yala and Wilpattu? Until there are clear check and balance mechanisms and until we (humans) realize that we are THE most invasive species on the planet, nothing will change. So who is going to follow up on this - and other related matters for all other species, parks and environments?

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Lokubanda Tillakaratne Wednesday, 18 October 2023 09:12 PM

I wish readers will call for action about the plight of the villagers with damage and fear caused by wild elephants on nightly basis. This is not the problem of elephants. It is stupidity of us readers of these stories and those responsible to take action to reduce the population explosion of elephants after the modern day elephant conservation steps took effect about 30 years ago. In my village, growing long term crops like coconut, mango, and other trees has stopped because every other week elephants come and pull them out. Forget the rice plants, a young coconut tree once damaged by elephants will never recover. In order to maintain the supposed death rate of one elephant a day (it is inhumane even to think of that, but let's be real, that is nature at work), we must contain the elephant population growth. Only way to do this is to sterlize select female animals in every herd. This can be done easier than spending million to create new national parks and safe havens.

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VJ Thursday, 19 October 2023 07:57 AM

I must fully agree with the comment of Mr. Tilakaratne, there are a lot of talk about food security and self sufficiency in the country. Elephants, monkeys, peacocks destroy an enormous amount of crops and farmers and cultivators have given up growing crops. How many people have been killed by elephants? Are those lives have no value? Of course there are no value, people get shot almost every singe day. More will die of starvation due the to loss of crops. The authorities must look to fix the problems where it is faulty and not somewhere else.

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Umar Friday, 20 October 2023 09:09 AM

The challenge is to balance the different needs. Smarter agricultural methods combined with alternative income sources can go hand in hand with good conservation - look at Kenya. Let's be clear here: Sri Lanka's dwindling elephant population is a fact, while our increasing human population is also a fact. While it is lovely to get married and have a child, why would you do that when you are already struggling to feed yourself? It's irresponsible.

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Man Friday, 20 October 2023 03:12 PM

Solution is to leave more forest reserves including Walsapugala which is over due along with corridors and reforestation of sugar plantation in Hingurana, etc. Without sterilization all the rogue wild elephants, particularly males must be captured and domesticated as more than 100 people killed. No other solution, as of now to mitigate this issue of national interest.

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