Editorial photo #10996422 Human Interest

Elephant Crisis In Sri Lanka

Wild elephants are swimming in the lake in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, on February 14, 2024. Sri Lanka is facing a serious elephant crisis, with a steady increase in elephant deaths over recent years. In 2020, 318 elephants died due to various causes, a number that rose to 375 in 2021 and reached a worrying 433 in 2022. Even in 2023, the death toll remained high, with approximately 400 elephant deaths reported. These deaths are primarily due to human-elephant conflicts, shootings, motor accidents, and diseases. With an estimated population of 6,000 elephants, the loss of one elephant per day highlights the escalating wildlife conflict in Sri Lanka. Urgent action is needed to tackle the root causes of this crisis and protect the future of these majestic animals and the biodiversity they embody. (Photo by Thilina Kaluthotage/NurPhoto)

Photo details

Photo ID: #10996422
Date taken: 14 February 2024
Location: —
Photographer: Thilina Kaluthotage/NurPhoto
Category: Human Interest

Related keywords

Wild elephants swim lake Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka February 14 2024 elephant crisis elephant deaths human-elephant conflicts shootings motor accidents diseases elephant population wildlife conflict urgent measures biodiversity Thilina Kaluthotage NurPhoto 318 elephants 375 elephants 433 elephants 400 elephant deaths 2020 2021 2022 2023 6 000 elephants conservation endangered species habitat loss environmental protection wildlife conservation nature ecosystem animal welfare sustainable coexistence.