2026: 128 elephants killed in first four-and-a-half months

The death of 128 wild elephants during the first four-and-a-half months of 2026 has triggered renewed concern among Wildlife authorities and conservationists, who warn that unless urgent and science-based interventions are implemented, the country could be heading for another year of heavy elephant losses. Figures released by the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) show that 128 elephants died between January 1 and mid-May this year. Illegal electrocution, shooting, train collisions, poisoning, hakka patas (jaw bombs), and other human-elephant conflict-related incidents remain the leading causes of death. A senior DWC official told The Island that the continued loss of elephants was a matter of grave concern. She added:”Every elephant death is a significant loss to our wildlife heritage. We have intensified patrols, strengthened law enforcement and are working with local communities to minimise conflict. However, unless all stakeholders work together, reducing these deaths will remain a major challenge.” The official said the Department was also investigating incidents involving illegal electric fences and firearms while expanding mitigation measures in identified conflict hotspots. Chairman of the Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ), Hemantha Withanage, said the latest figures underscored the urgent need to rethink existing strategies. “Human-elephant conflict is not merely a wildlife issue. It is a land-use planning issue, an agricultural issue and a governance issue. Scientific land-use planning, protection of elephant corridors and proper maintenance of electric fences are essential if we are to save both human lives and elephants,” Withanage said. Wildlife experts noted that habitat fragmentation, encroachment into elephant ranges, expansion of cultivation, and unplanned development continue to intensify encounters between people and elephants. They warned that unless preventive measures are accelerated, elephant deaths this year could once again reach alarming levels. Sri Lanka is home to one of Asia’s largest remaining populations of wild Asian elephants, estimated at between 6,000 and 7,000. However, it also records one of the world’s highest annual elephant mortality rates linked to human-elephant conflict. The DWC reminded the public that killing an elephant is a serious offence under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance and carries severe penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines. Conservationists have urged the Government to expedite the implementation of the National Action Plan on Human-Elephant Conflict, strengthen inter-agency coordination, improve habitat management and allocate greater resources to community-based conservation programmes. With more than half the year still ahead, Wildlife authorities say the rising elephant death toll is a stark reminder that lasting solutions will require sustained political commitment, scientific planning and stronger cooperation between government agencies and affected communities.

By Ifham Nizam