Educational programs on wildlife protection

by Shanika Sriyananda

The tragic death of the 'Dala Poottuwa' (Crossed tusked elephant) has prompted the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) to launch educational programs on wildlife protection for armed personnel.

The crossed tusked elephant, which was the only remaining elephant of its kind in the country, at the Kudumbigala Sanctuary, Panama, was killed by a Police homeguard at the forward defence line and the animal died last week with severe injuries.

Director General DWC Dayananda Kariyawasam told the Sunday Observer that the Department had taken legal action against the homeguard, who was on duty. A case against him will be filed in the Pottuvil Magistrate's Courts soon.

The 50-year-old Dala Poottuwa, according to DWC veterinary surgeons, died of severe injuries and its main bone of the leg was badly damaged due to several gunshot injuries. Kariyawasam said the armed forces would be educated on the importance of protecting wildlife and animal behaviour.

An awareness program has been already launched in Polonnaruwa and it would be extended to Anuradhapura and Ampara shortly.

According to Kariyawasam, of the total number of elephants, tuskers accounts for only five percent. " The estimated number of elephants in Sri Lanka is 4,000 and there are only 200 tuskers among them", he said.

He said that due to the terrorist problem and the organised poaching in national parks and sanctuaries, wildlife officers needed a good training on arms handling. "We have commenced such training to our officers with the help of the STF", he added.