Adopt an Elephant
E-cards
Conservation Firsthand
Travel
SUPPORT WWF
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
Population: Between 3,160 and 4,405 individuals in the wild
Background
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.
Danger Watch
A species relative risk of extinction, as determined by the IUCN - The World Conservation Union. More
-
Extinct
No reasonable doubt that the last individual has died.
-
Extinct in the Wild
Known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalized population.
-
Critically Endangered
Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
-
Endangered
Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
-
Vulnerable
Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
-
Near Threatened
Likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future.
-
Least Concern
Does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endagnered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened
Related Information
Wave Forward
-- Hear from WWF marine experts on our ocean blog-- Discover Your Inner Fish
-- Want to buy sustainable fish for dinner? Learn what to look for.
Take Action
Take action through WWF's Conservation Action Network, where you can speak out for wildlife and wild places around the globe.
Read more
Free T-Shirt With Donation
Make a gift to help protect the future of nature today and we'll send you a free "Hotter than I should be" t-shirt that you can proudly wear to demonstrate your support of WWF.