Villagers' bullet ends life of Sri Lanka's tallest wild bull
The 45-year-old elephant died in October after being shot near Galgamuwa, a casualty of a conflict that kills hundreds of animals annually.
By Carmen Wojcik ·
A gunshot wound to the leg killed Kavantissa, the tallest living male elephant in Sri Lanka, on October 16. The animal, estimated to be 45 years old, stood 3.3 meters high and weighed approximately 5,500 kilograms. He had roamed the northwest region near the village of Galgamuwa for decades.
Villagers first noticed Kavantissa limping in late September. A closer examination revealed a bullet hole in his right leg. Veterinary surgeons treated the wound, but the elephant did not recover. His death adds to a growing list of casualties in the ongoing struggle between humans and wildlife on the island.
Sri Lanka records more annual elephant deaths than any other country. It also ranks second globally for human deaths resulting from violent encounters with the animals. Official data indicates that since 2019, an average of 370 elephants and 125 people have died in these incidents each year. These conflicts typically arise when elephants raid crops and move onto farmland.
The island hosts about 10% of the world's Asian elephants despite covering only 2% of their natural range. This creates the highest density of the species anywhere. Although listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List and protected by national law, elephants are still killed by bullets, poison, trains, and explosives hidden in food.
Habitat loss drives much of the conflict. The rural population grew from 8.25 million in 1960 to 17.8 million in 2020. As farming remains the primary income source for many, land clearing for agriculture continues. The Department of Wildlife Conservation estimated 7,451 wild elephants in 2024, with roughly 70% living outside protected areas. Each animal requires about 150 kilograms of green matter daily, pulling them toward agricultural fields.
Ravi Corea, president of the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society, said habitat loss, agricultural expansion, and fragmented corridors drive the conflict. He noted that crop losses threaten rural families' main income, distinguishing the issue from wildlife conflicts in wealthier nations. Corea stated that while a 2020 national action plan provides a foundation, it needs a comprehensive strategy with enforceable habitat protection.
Community programs offer practical solutions. In the Wasgamuwa region, Project Orange Elephant encourages farmers to grow citrus, a fruit elephants avoid, to reduce crop raiding. Electric fencing protects settlements, and the EleFriendly bus service carries schoolchildren through elephant corridors. This initiative has reduced dangerous encounters along its route by more than 90%.
