Legal action will be initiated against those who feed wild elephants venturing onto main roads bordering forest areas in Sri Lanka, the Department of Wildlife Conservation warned.
The Director General of the Department M. G. C. Sooriyabandara told NewsWire that feeding wild elephants on the roads is considered an offence as per the provisions of the Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance.
The department stated that due to people feeding wild elephants venturing onto main roads, the animals have made it a habit to return to the roads in search of food.
This has resulted in an increase in the incidents of wild elephants obstructing vehicles on main roads in search of food, he added.
Sooriyabandara further stated that the public has been requested to refrain from feeding wild elephants venturing onto main roads bordering forest areas in Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, the Wildlife Department has reported that 36 elephants died within the first seven months of 2023 due to unauthorized electric fences.
The Wildlife Department has put up electric fences by adhering to scientific and technical specifications. However, certain individuals have put up fences without adhering to such specifications to protect their farmlands and properties. This has resulted in the deaths of several wild elephants, he added.
Sooriyabandara stated that electric fences can only be put up upon receiving the necessary authorization from the Wildlife Department.
He further warned that legal action will be initiated against those putting up fences without such authorization and those considered to be restricting the free movement of wildlife. (NewsWire)