World Wildlife Fund

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Asian Elephants

Sri Lankan Elephant

Common Name: Sri Lankan elephant
Scientific Name: Elephas maximus maximus
Habitat: Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Location: Southwestern Sri Lanka

Elephants hold aesthetic, cultural and economic importance in Sri Lanka. They are used for carrying timber and have a special significance and role in religious events. Many local and international tourists visit the county’s national parks to observe elephants in the wild, thus boosting Sri Lanka’s economy through tourism. Elephants can be observed in protected areas such as Yala, Wasgomuva, Udawalawe, Minneriva and Kaudulla.

However, the subspecies continues to be threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, and the conflict between government troops and the Tamil Tigers in the northeastern region of the country.

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