Sri Lanka's wildlife population very high compared to forest area

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute has recommended that a unit be established to manage the conflict between wildlife and the farming community.

The recommendation was issued as the wildlife population in Sri Lanka has increased exponentially in comparison to the country's forest area.

University teachers, professors and animal rights organizations have submitted a report to Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera regarding the damages that are caused to crops and cultivation, and measures that need to be adopted to minimize said damage.

The report names macaques, peacocks, giant squirrels, monkeys and wild boar as animals that damage crops and cultivation.

The expert committee has recommended the implementation of short term solutions to manage conflicts between wildlife and the farming community.

The proposals include amending the Flora and Fauna Act and temporarily removing animals that severely affect agricultural activities from the list of animals that are protected through the Act.

In addition, a proposal was also made to update the legal provisions for the use of the shotgun.