Sri Lanka's Tallest Elephant Dies After Being Shot
The 45-year-old bull died on October 16, adding to a record of annual wildlife casualties that averages 370 per year.
By Riya Conti ·
A gunshot wound to the right leg claimed the life of Kavantissa, a 45-year-old bull who held the title of Sri Lanka's tallest living wild elephant, on October 16. Standing 3.3 meters high and weighing 5,500 kilograms, the animal was a familiar sight to residents of Galgamuwa in the northwest, where its massive size had earned it local renown.
Villagers first noticed the elephant limping in late September, prompting a closer examination that revealed the bullet injury. Veterinary surgeons attempted to treat the wound, but the bull succumbed to his injuries before the end of the month. His death has intensified scrutiny on the daily friction between humans and wildlife on the island.
Sri Lanka records more annual elephant deaths than any other nation. Official data indicate that since 2019, an average of 370 elephants and 125 people have died each year in violent encounters. These conflicts typically arise when elephants move into farmland to raid crops, a pattern driven by the shrinking of forest cover as the rural population has grown from 8.25 million in 1960 to 17.8 million in 2020.
The island holds roughly 10% of the world's Asian elephants while occupying only 2% of their natural range, creating the highest density of the species anywhere. The Department of Wildlife Conservation estimated the wild population at 7,451 in 2024, with approximately 70% of that number living outside protected areas. Each animal requires 150 kilograms of vegetation daily, a demand that pulls them toward agricultural land.
Ravi Corea, president of the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society, identified habitat loss and fragmented corridors as primary drivers of the conflict. He noted that crop losses threaten the main food source for rural families, a dynamic that distinguishes Sri Lankan wildlife issues from those in wealthier nations. Corea stated that while a 2020 national action plan provides a foundation, it requires a comprehensive strategy with enforceable habitat protection to reverse rising numbers.
Non-governmental groups are implementing localized solutions to mitigate these clashes. In the Wasgamuwa region, Project Orange Elephant encourages farmers to plant citrus trees, which elephants avoid, thereby reducing crop raiding while generating extra income. An "EleFriendly" bus service in the same area transports schoolchildren through elephant corridors, a route where dangerous encounters had previously discouraged attendance. The service has reduced such encounters by more than 90% along its path.
Kamal Shashendra, an environmental ethics researcher, emphasized that any viable solution must simultaneously protect human lives, livelihoods, and elephant populations. He argued that this requires scientifically informed land-use planning, protected corridors, community-based fencing, and fair compensation for affected families.
Source: Deutsche Welle
