Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has underscored the critical importance of reopening elephant corridors to ensure the safety and movement of the country’s growing elephant population, now estimated at around 8,000. Addressing concerns about the closure of these corridors, the President dismissed claims that the measures were being implemented forcefully or undemocratically.
Short-Term Measures for Elephant Conservation
To address immediate challenges, President Dissanayake outlined several key steps:
- Installation of electric fences to minimize human-elephant conflict.
- Recruitment of additional wildlife officers, supported by budget allocations.
- Establishment of a joint unit between the Civil Security Department and the Wildlife Department to enhance safety and conservation efforts.
The President emphasized the Wildlife Department Act, which prioritizes the conservation of animals over human safety. He clarified that only authorized wildlife officers are permitted to interact with wildlife, ensuring adherence to legal protections.
Challenges with Toque Macaques and Giant Squirrels
President Dissanayake also addressed issues surrounding Toque macaques and giant squirrels, noting the complexity of finding a scientific solution. The Ministry of Agriculture has formed a committee to explore potential remedies, including surgical interventions. However, the President acknowledged that even with surgical measures, the existing population could persist for another 20 years, raising the need for long-term strategies.
The root cause of these challenges, according to the President, lies in the collapse of the environmental chain. He cited the decline in fox populations—historically responsible for controlling peacock populations by consuming their eggs—as a contributing factor. This imbalance is attributed to unregulated development and the lack of sustainable practices.
Historical Context and Ecosystem Disruption
The President highlighted the historical displacement of elephants, which once roamed the highlands. The British colonists cleared the Central Highlands for tea plantations, forcing elephants to migrate to the plains of Minneriya. This disruption, he noted, reflects the long-term impact of unsustainable development on the ecosystem.
Long-Term Conservation Vision
While reconservation requires long-term planning, the President emphasized that short-term measures must focus on protecting plants and wildlife. The reopening of elephant corridors is part of a broader effort to restore balance and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts in Sri Lanka’s fragile ecosystem.
This holistic approach aims to address both immediate and systemic challenges, ensuring the coexistence of humans and wildlife in the years to come.
