Chasing elephants creates more issues: Expert warns

• About 50 elephants have so far been chased off
• Development activities led to loss of elephants’ habitats 

 By Sheain Fernandopulle   

Despite wildlife officials expressing confidence on the ongoing efforts to drive wild elephants out of Hambantota villages, Environmental law expert Dr. Jagath Gunawardana said it’s only worsening the human–elephant conflict rather than resolving it.  

Speaking to Daily Mirror, he said the practice of chasing elephants from one area to another only aggravates the problem, as displaced herds move into new villages, triggering fresh confrontations.   

“These drives don’t solve anything — they only create more issues,” he cautioned.  

Dr. Gunawardana explained that the operations are breaking up elephant herds, leaving calves vulnerable and stressing the animals.   

The repeated use of firecrackers and thunder blasts, he added, is harming elephants’ hearing and making them more aggressive and difficult to manage.  

He further noted that the crisis stems from the destruction and fragmentation of elephant habitats due to rapid development in the region.   

“The problem isn’t the elephants — it’s the loss of their home,” he said.   

Dr. Gunawardana called for long-term, science-based solutions such as restoring natural habitats, reopening elephant corridors, and reducing human encroachment instead of forcing elephants from place to place.  According to the wildlife department, about 50 elephants have been chased off to the management elephants regions with another 50 to be chased off.