Drought hits wildlife hard Poachers take advantage

• Wilpattu National Park being hit the hardest
• Tanks and wells, are also running dry 
• No water scarcity reported in  Mihintale forest reserve

By Dayartne Embogama and Hiran Priyankara  

As drought conditions grip several areas of the country, not only are humans suffering, but wild animals are also bearing the brunt of this harsh reality.  

W.M.K. Chandraratne, the Anuradhapura Zonal Director of Wildlife Conservation, expressed the seriousness of the issue, particularly regarding the provision of food and water for wild animals. He noted that Wilpattu National Park has been hit the hardest.  

Chandraratne revealed that herds of wild elephants are now in search of water sources, and efforts have been made to supply water to the National Park through water bowsers. This relief effort extends to the areas falling under Anuradhapura and Puttalam wildlife zones, as well as the Horowpathana elephant transit home.  
However, no water scarcity has been reported in the Mihintale forest reserve thus far. Plans are underway to expand water supply measures to Mihintale if the situation warrants.  

This crisis isn’t unique to Wilpattu; similar predicaments are facing wild animals in Yala and several other national parks and forest reserves across the country.  
Regretably, organized groups of poachers are capitalizing on this dire situation. They lie in ambush day and night along the banks of the Kalaoya river, targeting wild animals from Wilpattu and Thabbowa national parks, as well as adjacent forest reserves.  

In a recent joint operation, wildlife officers from Wanathawilluwa and Karuwalagaswewa range offices apprehended a group of 13 poachers. The officers also seized motorcycles and weapons used by the poachers.  

D. Ramasinghe, the Karuwalagaswewa Range Forest Conservator, explained that animals from national parks and nearby forest reserves are venturing to the banks of the Kalaoya river in search of the dwindling water supply.  
The drought has also led to extensive crop damage, particularly affecting vegetable cultivation. In the Thirappane division, over 1,500 acres of sweet pumpkin cultivation has been decimated, causing significant losses to farmers. The situation remains dire, as the available water sources, such as tanks and wells, are also running dry. 

•  Group of 13 poachers apprehended by Wildlife officers