Nature and Community

The Delicate Balance of Coexistence

Across Sri Lanka, people and nature have lived side by side for centuries. From farming villages bordering forests to coastal communities sharing space with marine life, this close relationship has shaped both culture and livelihoods. Yet as human populations grow and natural habitats shrink, coexistence has become increasingly complex.

At Sinharaja — An endemic Sri Lanka Blue Magpie drinking water from a leaking tap

The relationship between people and wildlife is neither purely harmonious nor purely harmful. It is a dynamic balance — shaped by human behaviour, land use, and attitudes toward nature. When managed with care, coexistence can benefit both communities and ecosystems. When mismanaged, it can lead to conflict, loss, and long-term damage for people and wildlife alike.

When Coexistence Works

In many parts of Sri Lanka, nature and community still support each other in positive ways. Traditional farming practices, home gardens, and agroforestry systems often provide habitat for birds, butterflies, and small mammals while also supporting food security. Tanks, canals, and wetlands created for irrigation have become vital ecosystems for fish, amphibians, and waterbirds.

At Talangama Lake - A Pheasant-tailed Jacana showcasing urban wildlife

Eco-tourism is another example of positive coexistence. When wildlife and natural landscapes are protected and responsibly managed, they provide income, employment, and pride for local communities. Nature becomes an asset worth protecting rather than a resource to be exploited. In these cases, people become stewards of their environment, recognising that healthy ecosystems are essential for their own long-term well-being.

Community-led conservation, wildlife monitoring, and sustainable resource use show how human behaviour can actively strengthen the bond between people and nature. These efforts prove that coexistence is not only possible — it can be mutually beneficial.

At Sinharaja - An endemic Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill feeds on rice and bread

When Human Behaviour Creates Pressure

At the same time, human actions can place enormous strain on natural systems. Deforestation, unplanned development, illegal encroachment, and pollution steadily reduce and fragment wildlife habitats. As forests shrink and corridors disappear, animals are forced into closer contact with people.

At Mannar — A Crimson Rose butterfly lay dead on the side of the main road

Road construction through natural areas increases the risk of wildlife roadkills. Poor waste management attracts animals such as monkeys, wild boar, and elephants into villages. Artificial feeding of wildlife, though often well-intentioned, can change animal behaviour and make them dependent on human food sources, increasing conflict and risk to both sides.

These pressures are not always driven by malice. Often they stem from economic necessity, lack of awareness, or short-term decision-making. However, the long-term consequences are felt by both communities and ecosystems.

Human–Wildlife Conflict: A Growing Challenge

One of the most visible outcomes of shrinking natural space is human–wildlife conflict. In Sri Lanka, this is most commonly seen in interactions with elephants, leopards, monkeys, wild boar, crocodiles, and other species that increasingly come into contact with people.

At Yala — A local seen feeding a wild elephant along the roadside

For rural communities, crop damage, property loss, and threats to personal safety can have serious economic and emotional impacts. For wildlife, conflict often leads to injury, retaliation killings, habitat loss, and population decline. In many cases, animals are not “invading” human space — they are responding to the loss of their own.

Human–wildlife conflict highlights a deeper issue: coexistence is not just about animals adapting to people, but about people making space for nature in a rapidly changing landscape.

The Power of Positive Human Behaviour

Human behaviour plays a critical role in shaping the outcome of coexistence. Simple actions can make a meaningful difference. Proper waste disposal reduces wildlife attraction to villages. Protecting forest corridors allows animals to move safely between habitats. Wildlife-friendly farming practices can reduce crop losses while supporting biodiversity.

Education and awareness are equally important. When communities understand animal behaviour and ecological roles, fear and misunderstanding can be replaced with informed caution and respect. Supporting early-warning systems, community fencing solutions, and non-lethal deterrents can reduce conflict while protecting both livelihoods and wildlife.

At Panadura - Locals seen fishing near a Brown Booby when it made a rare appearance in Sri Lanka in 2023

Most importantly, long-term planning that integrates nature into development decisions helps prevent conflict before it begins.

A Shared Landscape, A Shared Responsibility

Sri Lanka’s landscapes are not divided neatly between “human” and “wild.” They are shared spaces shaped by history, culture, and ecology. The future of coexistence depends on recognising that people and wildlife are part of the same system.

At Kimbulawala — Two photographers moved in close to the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater during its first recorded sighting in Sri Lanka in 2024, while others chose to keep a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the bird.

When human behaviour is guided by respect, responsibility, and long-term thinking, coexistence can strengthen both communities and ecosystems. When driven by short-term gains and disregard for nature, the costs are borne by everyone — from farmers to forest-dwelling species.

The story of nature and community is ultimately a story of choices. Every road built, forest cleared, or river protected shapes the kind of coexistence that will define Sri Lanka’s future. By choosing to live with nature rather than against it, communities can help ensure that both people and wildlife continue to thrive on this shared island.