The government has set up a committee to explore possible solutions to the agricultural damage caused by wild animals. Recently, on March 1, Namal Karunaratne, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, announced that a nationwide wildlife census would take place on March 15. This census aims to collect data on the wildlife that frequently enters agricultural lands and causes damage.
According to Karunaratne, the wildlife census will focus on counting animals like wild boars, monkeys, and other species that threaten crops. The survey will be carried out by local officers, who will observe the presence of these animals for a five-minute window from 8:00 AM to 8:05 AM. The aim is to gather accurate data about the species involved and the extent of the damage they cause.
While the initiative has sparked attention, it has not been without criticism. Environmental lawyer Jagath Gunawardhana raised concerns about the methodology behind the census, pointing out that the success of such a survey depends on following proper scientific procedures. He warned that political interference could jeopardize the effectiveness of the census, emphasizing the importance of having experts with in-depth knowledge of wildlife conducting the survey. Gunawardhana further stressed that wildlife-related issues should be handled by research institutions, not political bodies, to ensure the quality and credibility of the results.
Meanwhile, in a media briefing on March 3, Udaya Gammanpila, the leader of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya party, also weighed in on the issue. He sarcastically commented on the wildlife census, stating that the government had planned a 5-minute count of animals like wild boars, monkeys, and porcupines on March 15. He humorously called for animals to cooperate by staying put during the survey, mocking the government’s approach. Gammanpila criticized the rushed and superficial nature of the census, comparing it to a failed effort that would have no meaningful impact on addressing the agricultural damage caused by wildlife.
Professor Sampath Seneviratne, a wildlife expert at the University of Colombo, also expressed concerns about the methodology. He acknowledged the value of conducting a basic wildlife census but pointed out that a successful survey requires proper planning and adherence to international standards. According to Seneviratne, it’s crucial to train officials conducting the census to ensure that they understand the wildlife species being studied. He stressed that the reliability of the data collected would depend on how scientifically the survey is carried out.
Despite these criticisms, the government has pressed forward with the wildlife census, which is set to take place across Sri Lanka, including in agricultural fields, schools, hospitals, and other public areas. Local officials, through district and divisional secretariats, will be responsible for carrying out the data collection process. The collected data will be used to identify areas most affected by wildlife-related agricultural damage and help devise strategies for managing the issue.
