Sri Lankan Elephant

Endangered

Estimated remaining: ~7,500

Habitat

Dry zone forests, grasslands, and wetlands across Sri Lanka, with major populations in protected areas like Udawalawe, Yala, and Minneriya National Parks.

Threats

• Habitat loss for agriculture and development
• Human-elephant conflict leading to deaths
• Electric fence electrocutions
• Poaching for ivory and meat
• Habitat fragmentation from roads and settlements

Conservation efforts

Sri Lanka's Department of Wildlife Conservation manages protected areas and translocation programs. Community-based conflict mitigation including beehive fences and chili barriers. Elephant corridors identified and protected. Research on population dynamics and movements.