Encroaching on Nature

Sri Lanka's Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) has grown out of control in the past several years, with the last few weeks being one of the worst periods in our recent past. While there is plenty to be written about this matter, and must absolutely be discussed, there is another topic which requires as much attention.

In Sri Lanka one of the greatest attractions for our tourism sector has been the country's wildlife. While we are a small island in the Indian Ocean, the nature that is on display cannot be rivalled by many other countries around the world. Unfortunately, we are failing to protect our natural habitats, which is no doubt contributing to the HEC. During a recent photography exhibition which I hosted, I decided to display two photographs that I felt best captured the impact unregulated tourism is having on our wildlife.

Towards the end of 2021, once COVID-19 restrictions had been lifted, the nature parks began to fill up once again with visitors (both foreign and domestic). While it is normal, and welcome, that people wish to see wildlife in their natural habitats, it is disconcerting that we are doing so at the expense of the peace and safety of these animals. Below is a photograph of a baby elephant, at the time was believed to be only a few weeks old, who was being escorted by his mother and the herd towards the Minneriya tank.

A baby elephant being ushered towards the Minneriya Tank - November 2021

Unfortunately for both the baby, and the rest of the herd, it was not long until word spread that they were gathering at the tank. Soon several dozen jeeps appeared, speeding along the dirt tracks to try and capture the best position to photograph these animals. The elephants, who were clearly alarmed by the new arrivals, immediately formed a protective cordon around the baby elephant and made their way back into the forest.

The herd forming a protective cordon around the baby and ushering him back to the safety of the forest - November 2021

While the unease and fear among the herd was noticeable, it was also heartbreaking to recognise that these animals had been deprived of feeding on the lush grasslands around the tank, having been forced to abandon their meal midway through.

I had titled this particular photograph "expulsion" as to me it very neatly mirrored images students of history are well-versed in seeing, communities being forced to line-up and depart from their homes while invading forces watched on. This capture, to me, was very similar and one which sums up the grave issues facing Sri Lanka's natural world. As the HEC continues to grow in intensity, we must remember that even in our eagerness to enjoy these animals we are inadvertently contributing to their destruction. By forcing them to feel unsafe in their own surroundings, these animals are seeking safety elsewhere, often forcing them to wander into human settlements.

It is time that we pursue sustainable, respectful tourism. Recognising that the jungles are their homes and we are simply visitors.

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