Sri Lanka is set to conduct a census of its wild animals, focusing on species such as the toque macaque, langurs, giant squirrels, and peacocks, among others. This initiative, led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation, is aimed at understanding the scale of human-wildlife conflict and formulating potential solutions based on statistical analysis.
Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Namal Karunaratne stated that the research was likely to result in measures of animal population control and possibly measures of culling.
He stressed that the census was not merely an administrative exercise but also a critical research initiative aimed at resolving long-standing issues in agricultural productivity. According to him, the absence of accurate data on these species has impeded the Government’s ability to devise effective solutions.
Rationale behind the census
“Why are we conducting this census? In our country, we have statistics regarding nationals; we also have statistics on many other things, including elephants to an extent. However, to this date, wild animals, particularly toque macaques, langurs, Sri Lankan giant squirrels, and peacocks, have been a significant problem for farmers and the production sector. Despite their impact, we do not have comprehensive statistics on them,” Karunaratne explained.
He added that the data gathered would help in crafting evidence-based policies to mitigate the adverse effects of these animals on agricultural yields.
“We need to understand these statistics. In order to discuss potential solutions with experts on the subject, we need to conduct this census. We have to move forward with the statistics; that is how the whole world operates,” he asserted.
Methodology and execution
The census will take place on Saturday (15), from 8 a.m. to 8.05 a.m. According to Karunaratne, the selection of this date and time was based on expert recommendations to ensure maximum accuracy.
“Animals move from one place to another. That is why we have decided to conduct the census in a narrow five-minute window. This prevents overcounting and duplication because animals have the tendency to move from one place to another. The entire country must participate simultaneously, much like a ‘nakath’ time (auspicious time) where everyone acts in unison,” he elaborated.
The process involves the active participation of district and local administrative bodies. Each Grama Niladhari division will have four designated officers, including the Grama Niladhari, economic development officer, and ‘Samurdhi’ officer.
In addition, the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), Department of Agriculture, environmental experts including the Ministry of Environment, veterinary professionals, and university researchers will also be engaged.
Karunaratne further stressed the need for meticulous coordination at the grassroots level.
“For every farmland, it must be declared who will be conducting the survey. School grounds, temples, and other open areas will also be monitored. We will provide a structured model where participants will record the number of animals observed in a form, after which they shall sign and submit their findings to the designated officers in their respective Grama Niladhari divisions.
“At that level, they will perform an analysis of the animals within the respective regions, and form an overview of which animals are contributing to the problems in the relevant Grama Niladhari division and to what extent. These findings will then be compiled at the district level, where the data will again be studied for issues affecting agricultural lands in the district, before being submitted to Colombo for additional analysis,” he said.
No plans for culling
One of the most debated aspects of this initiative is the potential policy measures that may follow. The Deputy Minister hinted at possible animal population control measures, drawing parallels to practices in other countries.
“For instance, in Thailand, certain animals are culled and incentives are provided for controlling their populations. In Australia, kangaroos, despite being a national symbol, are sometimes culled to manage ecological balance. Singapore has controlled its crow population through similar measures,” he pointed out.
Karunaratne was quick to clarify that the Government had not made any definitive decisions regarding culling.
“I am not suggesting that culling will be our decision; however, we need to explore ethical and viable solutions. If we can eliminate pests and mosquitoes for public health and agricultural benefits, we must then be open to discussions on how to handle larger species that threaten food security,” he said.
University of Peradeniya (UOP) Department of Crop Science Senior Professor Buddhi Marambe, a leading agricultural expert, also weighed in on the issue, emphasising the necessity of scientific data before any policy measures were implemented.
“The first step in resolving any human-wildlife conflict is to understand the extent of the problem. The Government’s approach to collecting real-time data is commendable. However, we must ensure that subsequent actions are aligned with ethical conservation principles and do not disrupt ecological balance,” he cautioned.
He further noted that while Sri Lanka had historically faced challenges in wildlife management, a data-driven approach was a step in the right direction.
“Despite its imperfections, the current initiative provides at least some data. Something is better than nothing. Given the urgency of the issue, we cannot wait indefinitely. The problem has escalated over time, and while animals have continued to reproduce, policy action has stalled.
“We have reached a tipping point where measures must be taken. This research will help us understand not only the population of these species, but also their behavioural patterns, migration trends, and their overall impact on agriculture,” he said.
Prof. Marambe added that although there were inevitable errors, the data collected would still be valuable.
“The most critical aspect will be its interpretation, which must be handled by experts. From my perspective, as someone looking at this issue through an agricultural lens, it is crucial that professionals with expertise in wildlife conservation lead the interpretation process. Decision-making will hinge on the validity of this interpretation,” he noted.
When asked about the potential outcomes, he appeared to agree with the suggestion of the Deputy Minister.
“When it comes to controlling invasive species, we already know which areas are severely affected. Take Sri Lanka’s toque macaque, for example. Studies have shown significant agricultural damage in districts such as Kegalle and Kurunegala for coconut plantations and Puttalam for fruit crops like papaya.
“In such high-impact areas, population densities need to be managed to prevent further damage. One common approach is relocation, but this is often a short-term solution. The best long-term strategy is systematic culling, not to eradicate the species but to maintain population levels that do not disrupt agriculture,” he said.
However, he did not endorse culling as an ethical solution, adding that it may become necessary considering the country’s agricultural circumstances. “When it comes to culling, the ethics of taking a life must be considered. However, in population control, the focus is on maintaining ecological balance rather than indiscriminate killing,” he noted.
DWC Acting Director General Ranjan Marasinghe also weighed in on the potential for culling as a solution to the problem. He confirmed that the department’s participation had been sought in a 15-member expert committee, for which a designated officer had been appointed by the DWC.
“Population control is one approach in wildlife management, but its implementation must consider cultural, religious, and societal factors. Culling, for example, is generally not accepted in Sri Lanka due to religious sensitivities. However, there are other scientific methods to regulate populations without resorting to culling.
“The key is to first gather accurate data. Often, with proper management strategies, culling may not even be necessary. The census findings will guide us in determining the most appropriate solutions,” he said.
When asked about other potential solutions, Marasinghe proposed alternative strategies. “Population control can happen naturally depending on resource availability. For instance, ensuring proper garbage disposal can prevent certain species from thriving unnaturally due to the availability of excess food sources.
“Other measures include habitat management, restricting access to food sources, and modifying landscapes. For example, private landowners can trim tree branches and install fences to deter animals from entering their property. Since different districts face different wildlife challenges, there cannot be a one-size-fits-all solution. Once we have detailed data, experts in each field can propose targeted interventions,” he explained.
Marasinghe asserted that the survey itself would not harm wildlife, as it was purely data collection.
However, if population control measures such as culling were ever considered, they would need to be conducted scientifically. Any intervention must ensure the long-term survival of species, while preventing indiscriminate and unregulated actions that could threaten conservation efforts.
Implications for agriculture and farmers
Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector has suffered significant losses due to wildlife intrusions. Farmers frequently report damages to crops caused by monkeys and peacocks, leading to economic distress. According to Karunaratne, the findings of this census will allow policymakers to estimate the extent of agricultural damage more precisely.
“For example, if a single macaque can destroy an entire bunch of coconuts in a day, imagine the cumulative loss across thousands of farms. This research will quantify the food consumption patterns of these animals, determine their geographical impact, and help us devise targeted interventions,” he stated.
Additionally, Marambe highlighted the importance of integrating modern agricultural technologies with wildlife management.
“There are successful models globally where farmers coexist with wildlife through innovative solutions such as barrier methods, bio-acoustic deterrents, and community-led monitoring systems. We may need to consider them in future, but we must start from somewhere,” he added.