Elephant deaths in Sri Lanka are climbing at an alarming rate, with new data revealing that 44 elephants have already been shot dead in the first seven months of 2025.
The Department of Wildlife Conservation confirmed that gunfire killings remain a serious threat, continuing the deadly trend from last year when 84 elephants were killed by firearms.
In total, 248 elephants died in 2024 from various causes, including 38 electrocuted and 13 killed by trains. The overall elephant death toll for 2024 reached 388.
In response to this escalating crisis, the Ministry of Environment is considering launching a special action plan aimed at protecting the wild elephant population. The plan will include measures to safeguard iconic elephants such as Kavantissa and address the root causes behind the surge in deaths.
Officials warn that without urgent and strong interventions, Sri Lanka’s elephant population will continue to decline at a dangerous pace.
