Sri Lanka recorded 204 wild elephant deaths between 1 January and 14 August 2026, according to figures attributed to the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
The figures illustrate the continuing pressure on the country's wild elephant population, including deaths associated with human-elephant conflict and other causes.
Reported causes
Among the 204 deaths, reported causes included:
- 33 elephants shot;
- 26 killed by illegal electric fences or live wires;
- 26 killed after consuming explosive bait commonly known as hakka patas;
- 4 deaths attributed to poisoning;
- 7 deaths after falling into agricultural wells;
- 7 drownings;
- 4 road-accident deaths;
- 2 train-accident deaths.
These categories account for only part of the overall total.
The remaining deaths should not automatically be classified as human-caused, because the available reported breakdown does not establish a cause for every one of the 204 deaths.
Continuing conservation challenge
Human-elephant conflict remains one of Sri Lanka's most difficult wildlife-management challenges, affecting both elephant conservation and the safety and livelihoods of people living near elephant habitats.
The latest figures demonstrate that shootings, illegal electricity and explosive bait continue to contribute to elephant mortality.
A full assessment of the 2026 situation would also require data on natural deaths, unresolved cases and human deaths and injuries associated with human-elephant conflict.
Key facts
- Total wild elephant deaths: 204
- Reporting period: 1 January to 14 August 2026
- Shootings: 33
- Illegal electricity/live wires: 26
- Explosive bait, or hakka patas: 26
- Poisoning: 4
- Agricultural wells: 7
- Drowning: 7
- Road accidents: 4
- Train accidents: 2