Clashes prompt elephant census

Worries over clashes between elephants and villagers have led the authorities to conduct a comprehensive census of the animals.

The decision is the result of a year in which over 200 elephants died and more than 50 people were killed. The animals often raid villages searching for food and farmers kill them to protect their crops.

It is hoped that the first-time head count, scheduled for August, will make it easier to plan conservation and minimise clashes with the animals, which are considered sacred in Sri Lanka.