Sri Lankan elephant

Elephant in cross-fire

Common Name		Sri Lankan elephant; Eléphant de Sri Lanka (Fr); Elephant de Sri Lanka (Sp)
Scientific Name		Elephas maximus maximus
Habitat		Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Location		Southwestern Sri Lanka
Status		IUCN:Endangered (EN - A1cd) CITES: Appendix I
Population		Between 3,160 and 4,405 individuals in the wild

Background

This information has been reviewed.

Elephants hold aesthetic, cultural and economic importance in Sri Lanka. They are used for carrying timber and they have a special significance and role in religious events.

The Sri Lanka elephant is protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance of Sri Lanka (FFPO), and killing it carries the death penalty. Elephants can be observed in protected areas such as Yala, Wasgomuwa, Udawalawe, Minneriya and Kaudulla.

The subspecies is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, and the conflict between government troops and the Tamil Tigers in the North-eastern region has also put elephants in the cross-fire.

Physical Description

The Sri Lankan species is the largest of the Asian elephant genus, and has patches of depigmentation (areas with no skin color) on its ears, face, trunk and belly.

Colour
This is the darkest of all Asian elephants.

Habitat

Major habitat type
Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests

Biogeographic realm
Indo-Malayan

Range States
Sri Lanka

Geographical Location
Southwestern Sri Lanka

Ecological Region
Sri Lankan Moist Forests

Why is this species important?

Many local and international tourists visit National Parks to observe elephants in the wild, thus boosting the nation's economy through tourism. Elephants in Sri Lanka also hold ecologic and religious roles.