In Sri Lanka, wildlife experts are worried about the new plans for elephant corridors. There has been a serious human-elephant conflict, leading to thousands of deaths on both sides. The government wants to create four major corridors to help elephants avoid people.
Experts argue that these plans may not work. They point out that many elephants do not migrate and often stay out of protected areas. Last year, there were many reported human deaths due to encounters with elephants, which also caused significant damage to property.
Although the government is trying different strategies to reduce conflict, many previous solutions have failed. Some are calling for better land management and scientific solutions to ensure both people and elephants can live safely together.
Difficult words
- corridor — a route or strip for animal movementcorridors
- conflict — serious argument or fight between two groups
- migrate — to move regularly from one place to another
- protected area — land set aside to keep nature safeprotected areas
- encounter — a meeting, often unexpected, with someone or somethingencounters
- land management — planning and use of land to prevent problems
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Discussion questions
- Do you think corridors could reduce conflict where you live? Why or why not?
- What kinds of land management could help people and elephants live safely together? Give one or two examples.
- Would you support scientific solutions to reduce conflict even if they cost money? Explain briefly.
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