Colombo, Nov. 5 (Daily Mirror) - The Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) has recorded 289 wild elephant deaths in Sri Lanka between January 1 and October 23, 2026, with the cause of death remaining unidentified in 95 cases, according to the department's latest statistics.
According to data released by the Department, gunshot injuries, electrocution and hakka patas (jaw bombs) were among the leading causes of elephant deaths during the period.
The figures show that 42 elephants were killed by gunshots, while 34 died due to electrocution and another 34 due to hakka patas.
A further 23 elephants died due to putrefaction, while 11 deaths were attributed to infected wounds. Nine elephants died due to worm infestation.
The department also recorded seven deaths each due to drowning and accidents, eight after elephants fell into wells or pits, four due to poisoning and three due to train accidents.
The statistics further show two deaths each due to natural causes, decomposition and English polythene, while three were listed under other causes. No deaths were recorded due to septicaemia.
The Eastern Wildlife Region recorded the highest number of elephant deaths, with 60 cases, followed by Anuradhapura with 57 and Polonnaruwa with 42.
Uva recorded 33 deaths, while the North Western Wildlife Region reported 21. The Southern Wildlife Region recorded 19 deaths, followed by Vavuniya with 18, Central with 15 and Trincomalee with 14.
Puttalam recorded nine deaths, while Kilinochchi reported one.
The figures highlight the continuing challenges faced by wildlife authorities in protecting Sri Lanka's elephant population, particularly from gunshot injuries, illegal electric fences and explosive traps.
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