The association between man and elephant in Sri Lanka is ancient. Elephants being the largest terrestrial herbivores require relatively large areas and diversity of environments to forage. With the increase in human population density and changes in the land-use patterns, elephant habitat is being continuously reduced. As a result, much of the present-day elephant range extends into and overlaps with agricultural lands resulting in conflict with man.
Elephants continue intruding into human settlements. As do the expansion of human activities into areas set apart for the denizens of the wild. The damage caused when elephants intrude into human habitations is not limited to physical damage to crops, homes and livelihood. The mental scars remain long after.
Elephant DeathsAs many as 100 – 150 elephants are being killed each year and it doesn't seem as if anyone can come to a solution. Some statistics have stated that over 200 elephants were killed in Sri Lanka in 2009.
Causes of Elephant DeathThe causes of elephant death rates are notoriously difficult to estimate. Carcasses in the field are usually putrefied, making it difficult to identify the cause of death, especially if a pathogen is involved.
Human Elephant Conflict ManagementRestriction of elephants to protected areas
Crop guarding
Chasing elephants from the vicinity of cropping areas and villages
Capture‐translocation
Electric fencing
Awareness programmes
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