The Crisis
Conflicts arise mainly due to habitat loss, uncontrolled expansion of farmland, and a lack of awareness among farmers about how to live alongside these gentle giants.
Habitat loss brings elephants into closer contact with human populations, which inevitably results in human-elephant conflict. In Sri Lanka, this conflict has reached crisis levels. As elephants venture into villages and farmlands in search of food, they often destroy crops, property, and sometimes even harm or kill people.
In retaliation, villagers may attack or kill elephants using poison, firearms, or homemade explosives like "Hakka Patas" (exploding bait designed to kill or harm these animals).
Critical Situation
Human-elephant conflict has reached crisis levels in Sri Lanka
Habitat Loss
Main cause of increased conflict between humans and elephants
Root Causes
Habitat Loss
Deforestation and land conversion reduce natural elephant habitats, forcing them into human settlements.
Farmland Expansion
Uncontrolled expansion of agricultural land encroaches on traditional elephant corridors.
Lack of Awareness
Insufficient knowledge among farmers about coexisting peacefully with elephants.
Food Scarcity
Reduced natural food sources drive elephants to raid crops and settlements.
The Impact
On Humans
- Crop destruction and economic losses
- Property damage to homes and infrastructure
- Human injuries and fatalities
- Psychological trauma in affected communities
On Elephants
- Deaths from poisoning and firearms
- Injuries from "Hakka Patas" explosives
- Loss of habitat and migration routes
- Disruption of family groups and social structures
Our Solutions
Save The Giants is implementing comprehensive strategies to address human-elephant conflict:
Rapid Response Teams
24/7 emergency response centers strategically located to quickly address conflict situations and safely guide elephants away from human settlements.
Community Education
Training programs for farmers and villagers on elephant behavior, early warning systems, and non-lethal deterrent methods.
Electric Fencing
Installation of solar-powered electric fences to create safe boundaries between elephant habitats and human settlements.
Habitat Restoration
Working to restore and protect natural elephant habitats and migration corridors to reduce human-elephant encounters.
Help Us End This Crisis
Your support can make a real difference in protecting both elephants and communities.