Sri Lanka Conducts First Animal Census to Address Crop Damage

Sri Lanka conducted its first animal census to gather data on crop damage caused by wildlife. The survey included 5.17 million toque monkeys, 4.24 million peacocks, 2.66 million giant squirrels, and 1.74 million purple faced langurs. This initiative aims to support agricultural planning and wildlife management.

Sri Lanka has embarked on its inaugural animal census to combat crop losses attributed to wildlife, counting over 13 million animals including toque monkeys, peacocks, giant squirrels, and purple faced langurs.

The census, involving 40,000 state officials, was conducted to gather essential data for agricultural planning and wildlife management.

While some farmer organizations criticized the initiative, authorities stress the census will aid ecological research and strategies in mitigating crop damage.