Whither our wildlife in 2026? View(s):By Malaka RodrigoSri Lanka’s wildlife deaths have begun the New Year on a grim note, with the first reported leopard death of 2026 occurring in Neluwa, Galle, after the animal was caught in an illegal wire snare. Within days, a young elephant calf was also killed in a collision with a lorry, underscoring the persistent threats faced by the country’s iconic fauna. Wildlife officials confirmed that the animal had suffered severe internal injuries while struggling to free itself from the snare, ultimately succumbing despite intervention. Elephant calf killed on the roadA young elephant calf was killed after being struck by a lorry, between Galgamuwa and Abanpola highlighting the ongoing danger posed by high-speed traffic on roads cutting across elephant ranges.

Source: Sunday Times January 10, 2026 19:29 UTC