Sri Lanka, Nov. 5 -- The Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) has recorded 289 wild elephant deaths in Sri Lanka between January 1 and October 23, 2026, with the cause of death remaining unidentified in 95 cases, according to the department's latest statistics.

According to data released by the Department, gunshot injuries, electrocution and hakka patas (jaw bombs) were among the leading causes of elephant deaths during the period.

The figures show that 42 elephants were killed by gunshots, while 34 died due to electrocution and another 34 due to hakka patas.

A further 23 elephants died due to putrefaction, while 11 deaths were attributed to infected wounds. Nine elephants died due to worm infestation.

The department also record...