Sri Lankan elephant

The Sri Lankan elephant is a distinctive subspecies of the Asian elephant, endemic to Sri Lanka. Since 1986, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified them as endangered, primarily due to habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation. These elephants stand out as the largest subspecies, characterized by their darker skin, significant patches of depigmentation, and the rarity of males with tusks.

These elephants are predominantly found in Sri Lanka's dry zones, especially within national parks and occasionally outside protected areas. However, human-elephant conflicts are escalating as more land is converted for settlements and agriculture. Once widespread across the island, their numbers have significantly declined due to habitat loss and poaching.

The population of wild elephants in Sri Lanka has fluctuated over the years. Conservation efforts are currently focused on safeguarding viable populations in suitable habitats, both within and outside protected areas. These elephants face numerous threats, including landmines, poaching, deforestation, drought, and conflicts with humans.

To address these challenges, initiatives such as the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Centre aim to rehabilitate injured or orphaned elephants and support captive breeding programs.