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Human–Elephant Conflict in Sri Lanka: A Critical Review of Causal Explanations

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  • Sören Köpke

    (Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences, University of Kassel, 37213 Witzenhausen, Germany)

  • Sisira S. Withanachchi

    (Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences, University of Kassel, 37213 Witzenhausen, Germany)

  • Ruwan Pathiranage

    (Eco-Collective Research Association, Colombo 00200, Sri Lanka)

  • Chandana R. Withanachchi

    (Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihinthale 50300, Sri Lanka)

  • Deepika U. Gamage

    (Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihinthale 50300, Sri Lanka)

  • Thushantha S. Nissanka

    (Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihinthale 50300, Sri Lanka)

  • Chinthana C. Warapitiya

    (Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihinthale 50300, Sri Lanka)

  • Banu M. Nissanka

    (Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihinthale 50300, Sri Lanka)

  • Nirangani N. Ranasinghe

    (Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihinthale 50300, Sri Lanka)

  • Chathurika D. Senarathna

    (Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihinthale 50300, Sri Lanka)

  • Christian Schleyer

    (Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences, University of Kassel, 37213 Witzenhausen, Germany)

  • Andreas Thiel

    (Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences, University of Kassel, 37213 Witzenhausen, Germany)

Abstract

Human–elephant conflict (HEC) is a severe and much-debated issue in Sri Lanka. An average of two hundred animals are intentionally killed, and seventy to eighty human casualties are counted each year. The Sri Lankan elephant ( Elephas maximus maximus ) is an endangered subspecies. The reported elephant mortality rates are high. On the other hand, human–elephant conflict also leads to hardship and trauma among rural populations. This research paper reviews causal explanations for HEC in Sri Lanka, tracing underlying narratives and connecting broader conservation theory and practical approaches. The paper discusses potential causes and contexts of HEC in Sri Lanka, including historical factors (i.e., colonial hunting and land-use changes), poaching, habitat loss due to population growth, crop-raiding behaviour, problem animals, and changes in agricultural production systems. The review concludes that socio-economic and cultural factors in HEC in Sri Lanka are poorly explained, and more research should focus on the underlying conditions of rural populations’ vulnerability.

Suggested Citation

  • Sören Köpke & Sisira S. Withanachchi & Ruwan Pathiranage & Chandana R. Withanachchi & Deepika U. Gamage & Thushantha S. Nissanka & Chinthana C. Warapitiya & Banu M. Nissanka & Nirangani N. Ranasinghe , 2021. "Human–Elephant Conflict in Sri Lanka: A Critical Review of Causal Explanations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-14, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:15:p:8625-:d:607134
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Antoinette van de Water & Kevin Matteson, 2018. "Human-elephant conflict in western Thailand: Socio-economic drivers and potential mitigation strategies," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(6), pages 1-14, June.
    2. J. M. P. N. Anuradha & Miho Fujimura & Tsukasa Inaoka & Norio Sakai, 2019. "The Role of Agricultural Land Use Pattern Dynamics on Elephant Habitat Depletion and Human-Elephant Conflict in Sri Lanka," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-14, May.
    3. Bandara, Ranjith & Tisdell, Clement A., 2002. "Asian Elephants as Agricultural Pests: Damages, Economics of Control and Compensation in Sri Lanka," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 48735, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    4. David Locke Newhouse & Pablo Suarez Becerra & Dung Doan, 2016. "Sri Lanka Poverty and Welfare," World Bank Publications - Reports 23794, The World Bank Group.
    5. Jack M. Broughton & Elic M. Weitzel, 2018. "Population reconstructions for humans and megafauna suggest mixed causes for North American Pleistocene extinctions," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 9(1), pages 1-12, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mengyuan Zhao & Jia Chen & Beimeng Liu & Yi Xie, 2025. "Impact of Human–Elephant Conflict Risk Perception on Farmers’ Land Use Efficiency in Yunnan, China," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-27, April.

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