Colombo, Dec 23 (NationPress) Approximately 50 wild elephants have been electrocuted by unauthorized electric fences or wires in Sri Lanka this year, according to a statement from the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) on Monday.

The CEB highlighted that these magnificent creatures, representing the country's biodiversity, are increasingly facing the danger of extinction as a result of human activities.

The board has implemented various measures to address this illegal practice, urging public cooperation to safeguard wild elephants, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

In total, 72 wild elephants lost their lives to electrocution in Sri Lanka in 2023, marking an increase from the 50 deaths reported in 2022, according to the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

The department noted that the private establishment of electric fences in regions affected by human-elephant conflict has led to these fatalities.

They have vowed to take strict actions against the installation of such electric fences and traps designed to harm wild elephants, and measures will be taken against substandard electric fencing.

Overall, 400 elephants died in Sri Lanka in 2023, with approximately half of these casualties attributed to human-elephant conflicts.

The Sri Lankan government has previously announced plans to assign 4,500 development officers to aid in elephant conservation initiatives.

As per the country's environment ministry, elephant fatalities have reduced by 50 percent this year in comparison to the same period last year.

Additionally, human casualties resulting from conflicts with wild elephants have decreased by 20 percent during the same timeframe.

The statement also mentioned that the train schedule between midnight and 6 AM has been adjusted to prevent wild elephants from being struck by trains.

Efforts will be made to clear a 10-meter strip on either side of railway lines to allow engine drivers better visibility of wild elephants, thereby reducing future casualties.

Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath, who oversees environment and wildlife conservation, emphasized the importance of protecting both humans and wild elephants while also addressing the necessity to prevent damage to crops and property.