370: Annual elephant death toll in Sri Lanka after Kavantissa's killing

Sri Lanka holds approximately 10 percent of the world's Asian elephants, a density that creates frequent friction between the animals and the human population. On October 16, a male elephant known as Kavantissa died after receiving a gunshot wound to his right leg.

Kavantissa, believed to be around 45 years old, was the tallest living male elephant in the country. He stood roughly 3.3 meters tall and weighed approximately 5,500 kilograms. His range was centered in the northwest near the village of Galgamuwa, where his size made him a local figure.

Villagers observed the elephant limping in late September. A closer inspection revealed the gunshot injury. Veterinary surgeons attempted to treat the wound, but the animal did not survive.

Official statistics indicate that Sri Lanka records the highest number of elephant deaths annually among all nations. The country also reports the second highest number of human deaths resulting from violent encounters with elephants. Since 2019, an average of 370 elephants and 125 people have died each year in these incidents.

The conflict is driven by habitat loss and agricultural expansion. The rural population increased from 8.25 million in 1960 to 17.8 million in 2020. As farming remains the primary source of income, land continues to be cleared for crops. The Department of Wildlife Conservation estimated the wild elephant population at 7,451 in 2024. Approximately 70 percent of these animals live outside protected areas. Each elephant requires roughly 150 kilograms of green matter daily, which often leads them into farmland.

Ravi Corea, president of the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society, stated that habitat loss, fragmented corridors, and competition for land drive the conflict. He noted that crop losses threaten the main food and income source for rural families. This dynamic distinguishes the issue from wildlife conflicts in wealthier nations. Corea said that while a 2020 national action plan provides a foundation, it requires a comprehensive conservation strategy with enforceable habitat protection.

Community programs have shown potential to reduce these encounters. In the Wasgamuwa region, Project Orange Elephant encourages farmers to cultivate citrus trees, which elephants tend to avoid. This approach reduces crop raiding while providing additional income. Electric fencing is also used to protect settlements and fields. The 'EleFriendly' bus service transports schoolchildren through elephant corridors. This service has reduced dangerous encounters along its original route by more than 90 percent.

Kamal Shashendra, an environmental ethics researcher based in Sri Lanka, argued that a just solution must protect human lives, livelihoods, and elephant populations simultaneously. He specified that this requires scientifically informed land-use planning, protected corridors, community-based fencing, effective early-warning systems, and fair compensation for affected families.