Sri Lanka, Jan. 28 -- The Department of Wildlife Conservation has reported that wild elephant deaths in the country decreased in 2024 compared to the previous year.

According to the department, this reduction was made possible through various programs aimed at reducing wild elephant fatalities.

In 2024, a total of 388 wild elephant deaths were reported, while 488 deaths were recorded in 2023.

The Eastern Wildlife Zone had the highest number of elephant deaths last year, with 81 fatalities.

Similarly, 78 wild elephant deaths were reported from the Polonnaruwa Wildlife Zone, 53 from the Anuradhapura Wildlife Zone, and 43 from the Uva Wildlife Zone.

The department stated that these deaths were caused by various accidents, including pois...