Baby elephant abductions go unchecked

Environmentalists expressed their grave concern over the escalating numbers of baby elephant abductions from their natural habitats, which has now increased up to 23 cases during the past three years.

Environment Conservation Trust Director, Sajeewa Chamikara speaking to the Daily Mirror said, through details they have uncovered so far, most of the elephant calves had been abducted from the Habarana and Udawalawa areas.

“We have repeatedly lodged complaints with the Wildlife Conservation Department (WCD) concerning these abductions along with the names and details of individuals who are detaining these animals illegally, but the department has been dormant in taking action regarding our complaints, so far,” Chamikara said.

According to him, the reason behind the lax state of the WCD concerning their complaints, was the inactive state of the department’s flying squad, which was allegedly rendered inactive about six months ago by the Agrarian Services and Wildlife Ministry Secretary, Udeni Wickramasinghe under the instructions of former Minister S.M. Chandrasena.

“The order to halt the

We have repeatedly lodged complaints with the Wildlife Conservation Department (WCD) concerning these abductions along with the names and details of individuals who are detaining these animals illegally

activities of the flying squad was given following a raid that resulted in taking legal action against 15 individuals who were holding domesticated elephants without a licence. Since then, instructions had been given to refrain from taking any legal action against complaints received on elephants,” he added. Environmentalists