Kavantissa, Sri Lanka's tallest wild bull, dies after leg injury
The 45-year-old elephant died on October 16 following a gunshot wound, intensifying scrutiny on the annual toll of human-elephant conflict on the island.
By Ahmed Peterson ·
Kavantissa, the tallest living male elephant in Sri Lanka, died on October 16 from injuries sustained in a gunshot wound.
Villagers near Galgamuwa in the northwest of the country first noticed the animal limping in late September. A closer inspection revealed a wound on his right leg. Veterinary surgeons attempted to treat the elephant, but he did not survive.
Estimates place Kavantissa's age at 45 years. He stood approximately 3.3 meters high and weighed around 5,500 kilograms. His range covered the area surrounding Galgamuwa, where his size made him a local landmark.
Sri Lanka records the highest number of annual elephant deaths globally and the second highest number of human deaths from encounters with the species. Official data indicates an average of 370 elephants and 125 people died in these incidents each year since 2019. These deaths typically occur when elephants enter farmland to raid crops.
The island contains about 10% of the world's Asian elephant population despite covering only 2% of their natural range. The Department of Wildlife Conservation estimated the wild population at 7,451 in 2024. Approximately 70% of these animals live outside protected areas. Each elephant requires roughly 150 kilograms of green matter daily, driving them toward agricultural fields.
Ravi Corea, president of the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society, attributed the conflict to habitat loss, agricultural expansion, and fragmented corridors. He noted that the rural population grew from 8.25 million in 1960 to 17.8 million in 2020, increasing pressure on land. Corea stated that a 2020 national action plan requires a comprehensive conservation strategy with enforceable habitat protection.
Community programs have shown measurable success in reducing conflicts. Project Orange Elephant in the Wasgamuwa region encourages farmers to grow citrus, which elephants avoid, while providing extra income. The EleFriendly bus service in the same region transports schoolchildren through elephant corridors, reducing dangerous encounters by more than 90% along its original route. Environmental ethics researcher Kamal Shashendra said just solutions require scientific land-use planning, protected corridors, and fair compensation for affected families.
Source: Deutsche Welle
