At least 400 elephants have been reported dead in Sri Lanka so far in 2023, the Department of Wildlife Conservation said.
According to the Director General of the Department Chandana Sooriyabandara, at least 200 elephants have died due to various reasons, including human-elephant conflicts, shootings or motor accidents.
Chandana Sooriyabandara further said it has been observed that several wild elephants have also died this year due to various diseases.
He added that the Sri Lankan elephant population now stands at around 6,000. (NewsWire)