Wildlife officers have disabled an illegally installed trap gun near a maize cultivation in Anuradhapura, close to where the well-known elephant Agbo was roaming, and a man has been arrested.
Officers of the Thirappane Wildlife Office found the weapon on Saturday during a patrol to monitor and protect Agbo. They located the elephant near a maize cultivation close to Nochchikulama Tank in the Mihintale area.
While inspecting the surroundings, a wildlife officer came into contact with a tripwire connected to the trap gun. The officers then identified the weapon and safely disabled it.
During a follow-up search on Sunday, officers found several items used to set trap guns inside a hut at a nearby cultivation site. A man found there was arrested on suspicion of involvement, wildlife officials said.
The officials said the suspect told them during questioning that he had set the trap gun at a height of about five feet to target elephants. They said the weapon is suspected to have been placed to keep elephants out of the maize crop, but the exact motive has not been confirmed.
The suspect and the seized equipment are due to be produced before the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Background
Wildlife officials said this was the second time a trap gun had been found near Agbo during patrols aimed at protecting the elephant. They warned that elephants hurt by such illegal weapons are often found only after their wounds have become infected, which makes treatment difficult.
Wildlife officers and the armed forces are continuing a special operation called Hasthi Sena, which aims to identify people involved in making, installing and using illegal weapons against wild elephants. The latest patrol was carried out under the supervision of Wildlife Range Assistant Buddhika Athukorala, officer in charge of the Thirappane Beat Office.
Conflict between farmers and wild elephants is a long-running problem in dry-zone districts such as Anuradhapura, where crops are often planted close to areas elephants use. Setting trap guns to target wildlife is illegal.
What it means
For farmers in elephant-affected areas, the case is a reminder that illegal devices set to guard crops can be traced and that those found with them can be arrested and taken before a court.
For residents and officers working in the fields, hidden tripwires and trap guns are also a danger to people. The officer in this case came into contact with the tripwire while inspecting the area. Wildlife officials have not said whether any charges beyond the arrest have been decided, as the suspect is yet to appear in court.
