ReadingAnimals

The BBC has done a fine job, and apparently something few others have thought to do, by considering the devastating effects of war on wildlife - in this case elephants in Sri Lanka.

The double threats that arise from war between people, and the guerilla tactics used by people against elephants and other consequences of human-elephant conflict have had devastating effects. According to the BBC,

“Of the 74 elephants which died in the north and north-west region last year, 44 were killed by gunfire.

The others fell victim to poison, were deliberately electrocuted by farmers who connected wire fences to the mains, or fell down wells.

Just four died of natural causes.”

Elephants are not charging onto the scenes of firefights, the so called “front line.” Rather, they are collateral damage.

The people of Sri Lanka suffer because of the war as well, and this is equally troubling. In general, I think that conditions that are unsafe for animals are unsafe for people. I am heartened that there are efforts to reduce human elephant conflict even in the current security climate in Sri Lanka. The article mentioned the planting of elephant foods in areas adjacent to farms where raiding has been an issue, and formal training for government employees, who are now discouraged from using weapons against elephants.