• Centre for Conservation and Research Chairman Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando on the prevention of elephant-train collisions

In recent times, Sri Lanka has witnessed a tragic series of events revolving around elephants, the gentle, but majestic giants that play a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s wildlife. Last month, the death of six elephants in train accidents in a single night was reported. The wild elephants were killed after colliding with trains in two separate incidents along the Batticaloa line on 27 September.

This has thrust the issue of elephants and trains into the spotlight once again. While train-related elephant fatalities represent a relatively small percentage of overall elephant deaths, the issue generates significant media attention and social discourse. The Daily Morning sat down with Centre for Conservation and Research (CCR) Chairman, Trustee and Scientist Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando for an in-depth look into the challenges surrounding this issue, to explore the proposed solutions, and discuss the complexities involved in mitigating train-elephant collisions.

Following are excerpts from the interview:

Why has the recent spike in train-related elephant fatalities garnered so much attention?

The recent deaths of six elephants in train accidents on a single night have shocked many. While train-related elephant fatalities represent only around 5% of reported elephant deaths by all causes in Sri Lanka, it is a significant issue because it captures public attention. The loss of these majestic creatures, especially reproductively active females, is a grave concern for elephant conservation. Moreover, these accidents often result in damage to trains and tracks, leading to delays and financial costs.

What are the proposed solutions to prevent train-elephant collisions?

Several proposed solutions can be categorised into four main approaches: warning systems, deterrents, barriers, and safe crossings.

Can you explain the concept of warning systems in more detail?

Certainly. Warning systems aim to alert train drivers to the presence of elephants near or on the tracks. These systems can be low-tech, such as clearing vegetation alongside tracks to improve visibility, or high-tech, involving the use of thermal cameras or infrared cameras mounted on trains. Some proposals even suggest using radio collars on elephants to relay their movements to train drivers.

Are these warning systems effective in preventing accidents?

Unfortunately, most warning systems have a fundamental flaw. They rely on the ability to detect elephants in close proximity to the tracks. Given the speed at which trains travel and the limited time frame in which an elephant can cross the tracks, visualising an elephant within 100 metres of an approaching train often proves ineffective in preventing collisions.

What about deterrents? How do they work?

Deterrents involve using various means to drive elephants away from tracks when trains approach. These methods can include high-powered horns, bright headlights, and devices that activate flashing lights or produce loud sounds. The idea is to discourage elephants from coming near the tracks when trains are approaching.

Do deterrents effectively prevent train-elephant collisions?

While the concept is theoretically sound, the effectiveness of deterrents depends on how elephants react to these stimuli. It’s uncertain whether loud horns or bright lights would consistently deter elephants. Moreover, implementing and maintaining these systems can be expensive.

Can you explain the concept of barriers in preventing train-elephant collisions?

Barriers aim to physically prevent elephants from accessing the tracks. This can include electric fences or railway girder fences. The idea is to create a physical boundary that keeps elephants away from the tracks.

Do barriers effectively protect elephants from train accidents?

The effectiveness of barriers depends on the context. The critical question is why elephants cross tracks in the first place. Each elephant has a defined home range, where it seeks food, water, and mates. Linear infrastructure like railway tracks often intersect these home ranges. Preventing elephants from crossing tracks can lead to them losing access to vital resources, potentially causing starvation. So, while barriers might save a few elephants, they can harm many more.

What are safe crossings, and how do they work?

Safe crossings involve constructing underpasses or overpasses that allow elephants to traverse tracks without danger. In essence, they create bridges for the trains or the elephants. Of the two, underpasses are more practical, as convincing an elephant to go under a bridge is likely easier than getting them to cross over one.

Can you explain how safe crossings can prevent train-elephant collisions?

Safe crossings can be effective in preventing accidents, but their success depends on their location. They need to be placed where elephants are known to cross tracks regularly. To identify these locations accurately, experts recommend obtaining data directly from elephants through radio collaring. Unfortunately, the construction of underpasses for existing tracks can be complex and expensive.

Is slowing down trains a feasible solution to prevent train-elephant collisions?

Yes, slowing down trains during night-time travel is a straightforward and effective solution. Most train-elephant collisions occur during the night, so reducing train speeds during these hours can significantly reduce the risk.

Can you provide more details on how reducing train speeds can prevent accidents?

Slower train speeds during night-time travel can reduce the risk of collisions. To illustrate, an elephant would need to cross within 20 metres of a train travelling at 25 km/h or within 9 metres of one travelling at 10 km/h to be hit. Slower speeds drastically decrease the probability of collisions, and vigilant train drivers can apply the brakes to mitigate the consequences of a potential collision.

How can we determine where trains need to go slower?

Identifying the areas where trains should reduce speed is crucial. A survey conducted in 2018 by experts from the Ministry of Transport and the Wildlife Department identified 368 kilometres of rail tracks where trains might encounter elephants, with 142 kilometres considered high-risk areas. To implement reduced train speeds effectively, it’s essential to pinpoint actual crossing points accurately. Radio collaring elephants in high-risk areas and monitoring their movements can help identify zones that require reduced speeds.

What are the legal implications of enforcing reduced train speeds?

Despite the simplicity and effectiveness of reducing train speeds, it has not been widely adopted. Proper speed monitoring equipment and enforcement mechanisms are lacking. To address this, authorities should consider stricter enforcement measures and penalties for train operators who fail to comply with speed limits.

The issue of trains colliding with elephants in Sri Lanka is a complex problem that demands a multifaceted solution. While technological solutions like warning systems and deterrents have limitations, constructing safe crossings and enforcing reduced train speeds in critical areas offer promising avenues to protect both elephants and railway operations. Ultimately, a combination of measures, informed by real-time data and collaborative efforts, is essential to mitigate the ongoing threat to elephants from train accidents. By prioritising the safety of these majestic creatures, Sri Lanka can find a way to ensure that trains and elephants never have to meet in tragedy again.