Sri Lanka, Nov. 6 -- A total of 289 wild elephants died in Sri Lanka between January 1 and October 23, 2026, according to the latest figures from the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC).

The circumstances behind 95 of the deaths have yet to be determined.

Department statistics identify gunshot wounds, electrocution and hakka patas (jaw bombs) as some of the main causes of elephant fatalities during the period.

Gunfire accounted for 42 deaths, while electrocution and hakka patas claimed 34 elephants each.

Another 23 elephants died from putrefaction, while 11 succumbed to infected wounds and nine to worm infestations.

The records also list seven deaths each from drowning and accidents.

Eight elephants died after falling into wel...