Deputy Minister of Agriculture Namal Karunaratne says that the government will conduct a census on crop-damaging animals, including toque monkeys, giant squirrels, and peacocks.
The census is set for March 15, during which farmers will have five minutes to count these animals on their properties.
“Sixteen percent of Sri Lanka’s total land area belongs to wildlife. We must understand why these animals leave their natural habitats and encroach on farmlands. Without addressing this, we cannot resolve the issue,” Karunaratne stated.
He emphasized the need to make forests self-sustaining, calling it the only long-term solution to the crisis. (Islandnews)
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