Sri Lanka has completed its first elephant census since 2011, a crucial step to assess the country’s wild elephant population. Conducted over three days, the census used a “waterhole counting” method, where volunteers monitored elephants at 3,130 water sources across the island. This method was chosen because elephants depend on these waterholes during the dry season.
According to Chandana Sooriyabandara, director-general of the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), “The month of August was chosen for the count as it’s typically the driest month in Sri Lanka, so elephants needing water visit these sources to quench their thirst,”. However, due to rain, smaller water puddles formed, potentially impacting the accuracy of the survey, since elephants could drink from them instead of visiting the waterholes. Some conservationists argue the census should have been delayed to ensure more reliable data.
The last census in 2011 estimated Sri Lanka’s elephant population at 5,879, providing key insights into demographics like the number of calves and the male-to-female ratio. The current census aims to update these figures, but the accuracy of the waterhole method remains a small concern.
Growing Human-Elephant Conflict
One of the biggest issues in Sri Lanka is the increasing human-elephant conflict. Since the 2011 census, nearly 4,000 elephants have died, primarily due to clashes with humans as development encroaches on their habitats. Conservationists emphasize that more than just population data is needed—migration patterns and elephant interactions with human settlements must be understood to develop better conservation strategies.
Fears of Misuse
Some environmentalists are worried that the results might be used to justify capturing or relocating elephants. Past censuses have faced similar concerns, with allegations that data was manipulated to support the illegal capture of elephants. With recent political talks suggesting a reduction in the elephant population, there is a fear that the census findings could be misused.
Despite these challenges, the census is a step toward better understanding Sri Lanka’s elephant population, though its accuracy and the future of conservation efforts remain uncertain.
