Preserving the Coexistence: Challenges, Consequences, and Solutions for Humans and Elephants in Batticaloa

Last week, an unsettling event unfolded in the Batticaloa region, gripping the residents with fear. Two wild elephants went from the forest area into nearby villages through the Batticaloa Lake. They wreaked havoc by trampling gardens and breaking house fences, eventually making their way along the coastal region. Their journey culminated in the Whip-Tooth Forest located on the coast of Thethathivu in Batticaloa.

When the community banded together to repel the wild intruders, the elephants proved unyielding, pushing further into the plantations of Mangadu village in Batticaloa. This incident sheds light on the escalating human-elephant conflict in Batticaloa.

Incidents of this nature have become increasingly common throughout the island. Therefore, we are now delving into the underlying reasons and analyzing this article.

For a more enriching reading experience, we recommend referring to our earlier article on the Human-Elephant Conflict.

Human-Elephant Coexistence – Modern-Day Challenge in Sri Lanka

The historical bond between humans and elephants in Sri Lanka has been robust and harmonious. For centuries, no other animal has shared such a close and enduring relationship with the people of this island nation. Elephants have played pivotal roles in religious ceremonies and grand celebrations like the Kandy Perahera. Furthermore, they have been indispensable for various labor-intensive tasks, such as transporting heavy hardwoods and carrying substantial loads. 

Sri Lanka, primarily an agricultural country, depends on agriculture as the backbone of its economy, with paddy fields being the principal source of sustenance. Additionally, crops like coconuts, vegetables, and various cereals constitute the mainstay of livelihood for its people.

Regrettably, in recent decades, this once-strong connection between humans and elephants has significantly deteriorated. Particularly in the Eastern region, there is a pronounced escalation of human-elephant conflicts, notably in districts like Ampara and Batticaloa in the eastern province.

A complex interplay of human activities and environmental factors primarily drives the escalating Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) in Sri Lanka. The loss and fragmentation of elephant habitats, mainly caused by rampant deforestation, surging population density, urbanization, widespread poverty, and reliance on an agro-based economy, have played a significant role in exacerbating this conflict. Compounding the issue is a lack of ecological expertise among policymakers regarding ecosystem services and Protected Area (PA) Management. Although the ‘National Policy for the Conservation and Management of Wild Elephants in Sri Lanka-2006’ reported a wild elephant population of around 4,000, this number is dwindling rapidly with each passing day.

Additionally, the impact of climate change, characterized by erratic and intense rainfall patterns and prolonged droughts, further compounds the HEC. These climate-related changes result in resource scarcity within elephant habitats, prompting these animals to venture beyond their natural territories in search of food and water, often encroaching on human-inhabited areas.

Since 2019, the Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) in Sri Lanka has taken a devastating toll, with an annual average of 125 human and 370 elephant fatalities. Disturbingly, Sri Lanka holds the unfortunate distinction of having the highest yearly elephant mortality rate and the second-highest rate of human deaths resulting from HEC. Over the past three decades, the human death rate has surged by approximately 42%. To address the consequences of this conflict, the Sri Lankan government has initiated compensatory measures for human casualties and property damage caused by elephants. The Sri Lankan elephant, scientifically known as Elephas maximus maximus, is considered an endangered subspecies. Its habitat ranges are limited to 50–150 km², contingent upon the availability of food, water, and shelter.

Elephant deaths Continues

Elephants in Sri Lanka inhabit specific home ranges, as evidenced by radio collaring data. While they do not engage in long-distance migrations, it is crucial to ensure their freedom of movement within these defined territories. Preserving their home ranges and establishing connectivity is paramount for their conservation.

However, the challenge arises when these home ranges span areas intersected by railway lines. In such cases, elephants continue to cross these railway lines, posing a persistent risk of train accidents. Tragically, 2022 witnessed the loss of over 400 elephants, while more than 140 people suffered injuries as a result of the human-elephant conflict. This alarming toll has positioned Sri Lanka as a nation with one of the highest recorded numbers of elephant deaths. Regrettably, the future for elephants in Sri Lanka appears increasingly bleak.

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Climate Change Challenges: Impact on Elephant Habitats in Sri Lanka

Climate change can lead to unpredictable and erratic rainfall patterns. In Sri Lanka, elephants rely on seasonal rains for water and the growth of vegetation that constitutes their food source. Changes in these patterns can disrupt the availability of water and food, forcing elephants to range farther in search of these vital resources. Prolonged droughts can become more frequent with climate change. Such droughts can lead to the drying up of water sources and the depletion of vegetation, making it even more challenging for elephants to find the nourishment and hydration they need within their natural habitats. Climate change can exacerbate habitat fragmentation, making it difficult for elephants to move between areas where they find food, water, and shelter. Increased fragmentation can lead to isolated elephant populations, impacting their genetic diversity and long-term survival.

As climate change affects the distribution of vegetation and water sources, elephants may come into increased competition with other wildlife and human communities for these resources. This can lead to more frequent conflicts and encroachment into human-inhabited areas. Climate change can also affect the health of elephants. Extreme temperatures and heat stress can pose risks to their well-being. Changes in disease patterns and the spread of diseases can also impact elephant populations. Also, Climate change can disrupt the traditional migration patterns of elephants as they seek more favorable conditions for feeding and breeding. This can lead to conflicts with human activities and result in more human-elephant encounters.

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Conclusion

The Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) in Sri Lanka is a growing crisis fueled by habitat loss, deforestation, and the effects of climate change. It has led to a high number of casualties among both humans and elephants. Urgent action is necessary to address this issue.

Efforts should focus on conserving elephant habitats, ensuring connectivity within their home ranges, and adapting to climate change challenges. By safeguarding these magnificent creatures and their environment, Sri Lanka can work toward restoring the historic bond between humans and elephants, fostering coexistence for a sustainable future.

-With inputs from Dinesh Balasri–