Human - elephant conflict:

Highest number of victims in North Western region

Disna Mudalige

The North Western region accounted for the highest number of cases of the human - elephant conflict last year, Wildlife Conservation Department (WCD) sources said.

The sources said about 250 elephant deaths and about 60 human deaths occurred in the island last year as a result of the human - elephant conflict.

They said about 80 elephant deaths, among them, had been reported from the North Western region.

About 50 elephants had died from gun shot injuries last year while another 40 had died from locally made explosives known as hakka patas, the sources said.

They said most victims of hakka patas are usually elephant calves, adding that it is a pathetic and unfortunate situation. Another 10 elephants had died from rail accidents last year while the cause for another 75 elephant deaths were unknown. About 20 elephants had died due to electrocution, while poisoning had caused the death of another five elephants. Eleven elephants had died due to natural causes, the sources said.

The North Western region includes Anuradhapura, Puttalam, Kurunegala and Vavuniya districts.

The majority of untimely elephant deaths in this region had resulted from gun shots. The number of elephant deaths in the Mahaweli region which includes Polonnaruwa and parts of Badulla and Trincomalee districts was also high as 70. About 45 elephant deaths had been reported from the Eastern region. The human - elephant conflict cost the lives of 255 elephants and 57 humans over the island in 2011.

Meanwhile, Environment Conservation Trust director Sajeewa Chamikara said 22 wild elephant calves have been illegally captured and kept without valid permits by businessmen, temples and devales.

He said these animals had been captured from Udawalawa and Habarana areas. Chamikara requested the authorities to take action against these illegal activities and protect the survival of the elephant population in the country.