Habitat enrichment programme launched to curb human-elephant conflict

Colombo, July 8 (Daily Mirror) - The Environment Ministry, together with the Wildlife Conservation Department and the Forest Conservation Department, has launched the National Programme for Wild Elephant Habitat Enrichment and Rehabilitation, introducing a science-based approach to mitigate Sri Lanka's long-standing human-elephant conflict.

The programme aims to reduce elephant incursions into villages by improving the availability of food and water within forest habitats, shifting the focus from traditional mitigation measures such as electric fences and enclosures to habitat restoration.

The first phase of the project has already been completed in the Kalawewa and Puttalam Tabbowa tank areas and surrounding wildlife reserves.

As part of the initiative, authorities have removed invasive plant species, including water hyacinth and mesquite, which had spread across forest reserves and tanks. These areas are being restored by cultivating natural grasses and vegetation preferred by wild elephants, creating sustainable foraging grounds within their natural habitat.

The programme also includes the rehabilitation of ancient tanks and other water sources located inside wildlife zones to ensure a continuous supply of water for elephants and other wildlife during dry periods.

The Ministry said the initiative follows internationally recognised wildlife conservation practices centred on habitat enrichment and human-wildlife coexistence. Similar approaches have been successfully adopted in parts of Africa and India, where protecting elephant corridors and enhancing food and water availability within forests have helped minimise human-elephant conflicts.

Officials said that the programme is based on global research indicating that food and water shortages within forests are among the main reasons elephants venture into human settlements. By improving habitat conditions and meeting these needs within protected areas, the Government expects to reduce elephant movements into villages while promoting long-term coexistence between people and wildlife.