A total of 75 wild elephants have been killed as a result of direct human activities during the first seven months of the year, according to the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
The Department said 30 elephants were shot dead, while 23 died after coming into contact with illegal electric fences or live wires. Another 19 elephants were killed after consuming explosive bait, commonly known as “hakka patas” (jaw bombs) and three died from poisoning.
In addition to these incidents, two elephants were killed in train collisions, four died in road accidents, and six died after falling into agricultural wells. A further three elephant deaths were attributed to other types of accidents.
The Department of Wildlife Conservation reported 180 wild elephant deaths during the seven-month period, resulting from direct human activities, accidents, and natural causes.
The Eastern Wildlife Region recorded the highest number of elephant deaths, with 44 cases. Significant numbers of elephant deaths were also reported in the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa wildlife regions.
Meanwhile, the Department said 56 people were killed in elephant attacks during the first seven months of the year.
