Over 70 wild elephants killed by human activities in seven months

Colombo, July 14 (Daily Mirror) - Seventy-five wild elephants have been killed due to direct human activities during the first seven months of this year, according to the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

The Department said 30 elephants were shot dead, while 23 others died after coming into contact with illegal electric fences or live wires.

Another 19 elephants were killed after consuming explosive bait known as “hakka patas” (jaw bombs), while three deaths were caused by poisoning.

Meanwhile, two elephants were killed in train accidents and four died in road accidents during the same period. Six elephants also died after falling into agricultural wells, while three deaths were attributed to other accidents.

The Department reported a total of 180 wild elephant deaths during the seven-month period, including those caused by human activities, accidents, and natural causes.