Galgamuwa's record bull elephant Kavantissa dies

Kavantissa, the tallest male elephant in Sri Lanka, died on October 16 after suffering a gunshot wound.

The 45-year-old bull stood approximately 3.3 meters high and weighed roughly 5,500 kilograms. He lived in the northwest region near the village of Galgamuwa, where his size made him a local figure.

Villagers first noticed the elephant limping in late September. A physical examination revealed a bullet hole in his right leg. Veterinary surgeons treated the injury, but the animal did not recover.

Sri Lanka records the highest number of annual elephant deaths globally. It also has the second highest number of human fatalities from conflicts between the two species. Since 2019, official figures show an average of 370 elephants and 125 people have died each year in these incidents.

The island hosts about 10% of the world's Asian elephants. This group occupies roughly 2% of the species' total natural range. This density is the highest anywhere. The Sri Lankan elephant is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. National laws protect the subspecies with fines and jail terms for violations.

Despite legal protections, experts report that elephants are killed by bullets, poison, train strikes, and explosives hidden in food. Forest cover has decreased as the population has grown. The rural population increased from 8.25 million in 1960 to 17.8 million in 2020. Farmers continue to clear land for agriculture, which remains the primary income source in rural areas.

The Department of Wildlife Conservation estimated the wild elephant population at 7,451 in 2024. About 70% of these animals live outside protected areas. Each elephant consumes roughly 150 kilograms of green matter daily. This dietary need drives them toward farmland.

Ravi Corea, president of the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society, told DW that habitat loss and fragmented corridors drive the conflict. He noted that crop losses threaten rural families' main income. Corea said a 2020 national action plan provides a foundation but needs enforceable habitat protection. He stated that the numbers of incidents are still rising despite government efforts.

Non-governmental groups have introduced programs to reduce these encounters. In the Wasgamuwa region, Project Orange Elephant encourages farmers to grow citrus crops that elephants avoid. This strategy cuts raiding and provides extra income. Electric fencing also protects settlements. The EleFriendly bus service transports schoolchildren through elephant corridors. This service has reduced dangerous encounters along its original route by more than 90%.

Kamal Shashendra, an environmental ethics researcher based in Sri Lanka, told DW that a just solution must protect human lives, livelihoods, and elephant populations simultaneously. He said this requires scientifically informed land-use planning, protected corridors, community-based fencing, early-warning systems, and fair compensation for affected families.