Wildlife Dept Says No to More Jeeps in Yala

The Department of Wildlife Conservation has turned down requests to allow more safari jeeps into Yala National Park, warning that overcrowding is already posing risks to wildlife.

Currently, around 500 jeeps operate inside the park, while operators have sought approval to add 175 more vehicles. Wildlife officials have strongly advised against the proposal, stating that increased vehicle movement would further disturb the animals.

Authorities also noted that approving new entrants would require cutting down the number of existing operators, emphasizing that Yala has already surpassed its sustainable visitor capacity.