By Lt. Col. Palitha Herath
In the green landscapes of Sri Lanka, a silent crisis unfolds, a complex struggle between human survival and elephant conservation that threatens to unravel the delicate social and economic fabric of rural communities. The Human Elephant Conflict (HEC) represents more than an ecological challenge; it is a profound testament to the intricate relationship between wildlife, human settlement, and national security. Sri Lanka, an island nation renowned for its rich biodiversity, is home to approximately 5,500 to 6000 wild elephants, one of the highest elephant population densities globally. These magnificent creatures, once revered in Sri Lankan culture and Buddhist traditions now find themselves increasingly marginalized and confrontational with human population.
The conflict has deep historical roots, stemming from decades of agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, and habitat fragmentation. The economic and human toll of this conflict is staggering. Rural farmers, who form the backbone of Sri Lanka’s agricultural economy, face unprecedented challenges. A single elephant can destroy crops worth hundreds of dollars in a single night, effectively decimating a family’s annual income. These agricultural raids create a cycle of economic vulnerability that pushes already marginalized communities closer to the poverty line. The financial losses are not merely monetary; their reparents lost opportunities, disrupted education, and potential social displacement.
Human casualties further underscore the conflict’s severity. Annually, approximately 70 to 100 people lose their lives in elephant-related incidents. Each death represents not just a personal tragedy but a potential catalyst for retaliatory actions. Frustrated and traumatized communities sometimes respond by illegally killing elephants, further escalating the conflict threatening the species’ already precarious survival. The ecological dynamics driving this conflict are complex. Habitat fragmentation has dramatically reduced elephant migration corridors. Traditional elephant routes have been systematically disrupted by agricultural lands, infrastructure projects, and urban expansion. This spatial compression forces elephants into increasingly smaller territories, forcing more frequent and intense interactions with human settlements.
National security perspective
From a national security perspective, the HEC presents multifaceted challenges. It threatens rural stability by creating economic uncertainty, potentially triggering social unrest and internal migration. Communities living in elephant dense regions experience chronic stress, with constant fear of property destruction and personal safety. This persistent threat can lead to a breakdown of traditional agricultural practices and community structures. Mitigation strategies require a holistic, multidisciplinary approach. Technological solutions offer promising interventions. Electric fencing, strategically designed to prevent elephant intrusions while minimizing harm, has shown moderate success. Advanced early warning systems using drones and satellite tracking can help predict and prevent potential human elephant encounters. These technologies, however, must be implemented with cultural sensitivity and community involvement.
Psychological perspective
The psychological dimensions of this conflict cannot be overlooked. For the rural community elephants represent simultaneously a cultural symbol and an existential threat. Traditional reverence conflicts with contemporary survival challenges. International conservation organizations and local research are increasingly recognizing the complexity of this issue. Emerging research suggests that technological and ecological solutions must be complimented by deep understanding of local social dynamics.
For humans, the fear and anxiety associated with the constant threat of elephant’s raid are profound. Rural communities living near elephant habitats live in a state of heightened alert, particularly at night when elephants are most active. This constant vigilance can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and a sense of insecurity. People who have lost family members or property due to elephant encounter may suffer long-term emotional trauma, including PTSD. This distress is compounded by the economic loss caused by elephant damage to crops and infrastructure, which disrupts livelihoods and perpetuates feelings of helplessness.
Economic and social perspective
The economic implications extend beyond immediate agricultural losses. Prolonged conflict can deter foreign investments, impact tourism, a crucial sector for Sri Lanka’s economy and create regional instability. Economically farmers are hit hardest, as elephants often invade agricultural fields, destroying crops like paddy, maize, and vegetables. This results in immediate financial losses and long-term economic instability, pushing some farmers into poverty. In addition to crop damage, the cost mitigation measures such as electric fences and security personnel can be burdensome for local communities. Poorer households are particularly vulnerable, as they lack the resources to implement these proactive measures, exacerbating economic inequalities. The impact on tourism is also notable. While elephants are a key attraction for wildlife tourism, the rising frequency of HEC may deter tourists from visiting affected areas, hurting local economics that depend on tourism for income.
Bridging the divide: proposed policy framework and solutions
The solution to the HEC requires comprehensive multi-faceted policies that bridge the gap between environmental conservation and rural development. The proposed key strategies are as follows:
1. Habitat Restorations. Expanding and protecting elephant habitats through the creation of wildlife corridoes can reduce the number of encounters between humans and elephants. This strategy requires cooperation between the government, conservation organizations and local communities to ensure the successful relocation of both humans and elephants.
2. Community Engagement. The involvement of local communities in conservation efforts is critical. Through education, awareness programmes and financial incentives, communities can be encouraged to view elephants as an asset rather than a threat. Training rural populations in non-lethal methods of managing elephants, such as using electric fences or creating barriers to protect crops, is crucial.
3. Policy Supports and Law enforcement. Strengthening laws related to wildlife conservation, along with better enforcement, can reduce poaching and retaliation killings. At the same time, providing compensation for farmers who lose crops to elephants can alleviate some of the economic pressures and prevent frustration that might lead to violence.
4. Conflict Resolution Mechanisms. Establishing conflict resolution systems at the local level can help mediate disputes between humans and elephants ensuring that tensions do not escalate into violence. These systems can include the participation of local leaders, government representatives, and conservationists in finding collaborative solutions.
5. Technological Innovations. Technology has an increasingly important role in mitigating HEC. Early warning systems using GPS tracking, drones, and infrared cameras can alert farmers to the presence of elephants in the area, allowing them to take preventive actions. Additionally, smartphone applications that allow farmers to report incidents of HEC can aid in the swift deployment of resources.
Conclusion
The HEC in Sri Lanka is not only an environmental issue but one that impacts rural stability and national security. Addressing it requires a multipronged approach that integrates environmental, social, and economic considerations. By prioritizing both conservation and the needs of rural communities, Sri Lankan can move toward a future where both humans and elephants can coexist peacefully. However, without a unified approach that bridges the divide between conservation and deployment, the conflict will only deepen, with lasting consequences for both the nation’s security and its ecological heritage. Further, the path forward is challenging but not insurmountable. By integrating technological innovation, community-centered approaches, progressive policy frameworks, and a deep respect for both human and elephant life, Sri Lanka can transform this conflict into an opportunity for ecological and social resilience.
Lt. Col. Palitha Herath is a Military Research Officer at the Institute of National Security Studies (INSS), the premier think tank on National Security established under the Ministry of Defence. The opinions expressed are his own and not necessarily reflective of the Institute or the Ministry of Defence.