Alarming Elephant Mortality Rates in Sri Lanka in 2023 – DWC

In 2023, Sri Lanka has witnessed the unfortunate death of at least 400 elephants, as reported by the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC). Chandana Sooriyabandara, the Director General of the Department, revealed that approximately 200 of these majestic creatures have perished due to a variety of factors, including human-elephant conflicts, shootings, and motor accidents.

Sooriyabandara further noted that several wild elephants have succumbed to various diseases this year. He underscored that the Sri Lankan elephant population currently hovers around 6,000, emphasizing the critical importance of wildlife conservation efforts to safeguard these magnificent animals.