Sri Lanka Loses Tallest Male Elephant After Fatal Gunshot
The 45-year-old bull, standing 3.3 meters tall, died on October 16, a loss that underscores the ongoing tension between the island's dense elephant population and expanding farmland.
By Andrew Fletcher ·
A gunshot wound to the leg killed Kavantissa, the tallest living male elephant in Sri Lanka, on October 16. The animal was believed to be approximately 45 years old. At his death, he stood 3.3 meters high and weighed an estimated 5,500 kilograms.
Kavantissa roamed the northwest region near the village of Galgamuwa. His size made him a well-known figure among local residents. In late September, villagers observed him limping. A subsequent examination revealed a bullet wound in his right leg. Veterinary surgeons treated the injury, but the elephant died on October 16.
Sri Lanka has the highest density of Asian elephants on Earth. The island holds roughly 10% of the global population of the species while covering only 2% of their natural range. The Department of Wildlife Conservation estimated the wild elephant population at 7,451 in 2024. Approximately 70% of these animals live outside protected areas.
This high concentration creates frequent contact with humans. Since 2019, an average of 370 elephants and 125 people have died each year in violent encounters. These conflicts typically occur when elephants enter farmland to feed. Each elephant requires about 150 kilograms of green matter daily, a need that draws them toward crops.
The pressure on land has intensified over recent decades. The rural population grew from 8.25 million in 1960 to 17.8 million in 2020. As farming remains the primary income source for many, agricultural expansion continues to clear forest cover. Ravi Corea, president of the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society, stated that habitat loss and fragmented corridors are primary drivers of the conflict. He noted that crop losses directly threaten rural livelihoods, a dynamic distinct from wildlife conflicts in wealthier nations.
Corea said a national action plan drafted in 2020 provides a foundation but requires a comprehensive strategy with enforceable habitat protection. He added that death tolls continue to rise despite government efforts. The Sri Lankan elephant is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List and is protected by law, which includes fines and jail terms for wildlife offenses. Experts report that animals are still killed by shooting, poisoning, train strikes, or explosives hidden in food.
Community-led initiatives offer some solutions. In the Wasgamuwa region, the Project Orange Elephant encourages farmers to plant citrus trees, which elephants tend to avoid. This approach reduces crop raiding while providing additional income. Electric fencing also protects settlements. The EleFriendly bus service transports schoolchildren through elephant corridors, reducing dangerous encounters by more than 90% along its original route.
Kamal Shashendra, an environmental ethics researcher based in Sri Lanka, said a just solution must protect human lives, livelihoods, and elephant populations simultaneously. He identified the necessary components as scientifically informed land-use planning, protected corridors, community-based fencing, early-warning systems, and fair compensation for affected families.
Source: Deutsche Welle
