Tragic toll of human-elephant conflict: Call for sustainable solutions

The recent death of Deegajanthu I, a majestic tusker, due to an illegal electrocution wire, marks another heartbreaking chapter in the ongoing saga of the human-elephant conflict. This incident is not isolated—every year, hundreds of elephants lose their lives in similar tragedies, driven by human activity. As Sri Lanka’s elephant population continues to be affected, the scale of this crisis calls for urgent, sustainable solutions before we reach a tipping point from which recovery may be impossible. 

Deegajanthu I was not just another elephant—he was a symbol of Sri Lanka’s rich wildlife heritage, a magnificent creature whose death reverberates deeply in the hearts of nature lovers and conservationists alike. His untimely demise underlines a chilling reality: the methods employed by some individuals to deal with elephant-related problems, such as electrocution, are not only cruel but also unsustainable. Deegajanthu I joins the ranks of elephants who fall victim to wire traps, poisoned food, and increasingly frequent human-wildlife encounters that often end in violence or death. 

In our country, the conflict between humans and elephants is intensifying. The loss of habitat due to deforestation, encroachment of farmland into wildlife areas, and the expansion of human settlements all drive elephants into conflict with human communities. As elephants seek food, water, and space, they frequently come into close contact with villages, agricultural fields, and infrastructure. This often leads to crop raiding, property damage, and even the destruction of lives. In retaliation, farmers and local communities sometimes resort to drastic measures, including electric fences, poisoned bait, and even lethal violence, to protect their livelihoods. Yet these methods not only cause immense suffering for the elephants but also perpetuate a cycle of conflict that rarely ends peacefully for either side.

The annual deaths of elephants due to human activity are simply not sustainable. It is a tragic truth that the current model of coexistence between humans and elephants is faltering. There is no easy solution to this problem. But it is clear that the status quo is no longer acceptable. Firstly, it is imperative to protect and expand the natural habitats of elephants. Creating more wildlife corridors, preventing deforestation, and safeguarding national parks and reserves are essential measures to ensure that elephants have enough space to roam without coming into conflict with human settlements. This requires a commitment from both the Government and private sectors to allocate resources for conservation and land management. 

Secondly, local communities must be actively involved in the solution. Education and awareness programs are crucial to foster understanding between farmers, villagers, and conservationists. The success of any conservation effort depends on local support, so ensuring that people benefit from coexistence with elephants—through eco-tourism, sustainable farming practices, or compensation for crop loss—is critical. Farmers also need training in non-lethal, non-destructive ways to protect their crops, such as using natural deterrents or better fence designs that don’t harm elephants. 

Lastly, innovative technology can play a pivotal role in mitigating conflict. GPS tracking, early warning systems, and even the use of drones to monitor elephant movements are already being explored in some parts of Sri Lanka. These technologies can help prevent elephants from straying into human settlements and provide real-time data for authorities and local communities to respond swiftly.

The death of Deegajanthu I serves as a painful reminder of the pressing need for change. It is not just an environmental issue; it is a moral one. Sri Lanka has the opportunity to set an example for the world in how to address human-wildlife conflict with compassion, innovation, and sustainability.