Contact
Contact
Roar & Rove

Elephant

Content Image
Conservation status

IUCN Red List: Endangered (EN)

LIFE SPAN
  • In the Wild: Typically 60-70 years
  • In Captivity: Can live up to 80 years
Body size
  • Height: Males stand approximately 2.7-3.5 meters (9-11.5 feet) at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller.
  • Length: Around 6-7.5 meters (19.5-24.5 feet) including the trunk.
  • Weight: Males weigh between 4,000-5,500 kg (8,800-12,100 lbs), and females weigh slightly less, around 2,700-3,600 kg (6,000-7,900 lbs).
Native habitat
  • Geographical Range: Found primarily in Sri Lanka, with a small population potentially in southern India.
  • Habitat: Prefers lowland forests, grasslands, and areas near water sources, including river valleys and wetlands.
Diet
  • Grasses: A major part of their diet, providing essential nutrients and fiber.
  • Leaves: Plucked from a variety of trees and shrubs.
  • Bark: Stripped from trees, providing additional nutrients and roughage.
  • Fruits: Consumed when available, offering vitamins and natural sugars.
  • Roots: Dug up with their trunks and tusks.
  • Water Plants: Found in and around water sources.
Sri Lankan Elephant (Elephas maximus maximus)

The Sri Lankan Elephant, a majestic and endangered subspecies of the Asian elephant, is an iconic symbol of Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity. Known for its impressive size and intelligence, this elephant plays a crucial role in its ecosystem.

Physical Characteristics: The Sri Lankan Elephant stands at 2.7-3.5 meters (9-11.5 feet) tall at the shoulder and can reach a length of 6-7.5 meters (19.5-24.5 feet) including the trunk. Males weigh between 4,000-5,500 kg (8,800-12,100 lbs), while females are slightly lighter. Their skin is darker and their bodies more robust compared to other Asian elephant subspecies. They have smaller ears but larger tusks, which are prized and unfortunately make them a target for poaching.

Habitat: These elephants are primarily found in Sri Lanka, thriving in lowland forests, grasslands, and areas near water sources such as river valleys and wetlands. They are well adapted to the island’s varied landscapes, making use of the abundant vegetation and water resources.

Diet: The diet of the Sri Lankan Elephant is herbivorous and diverse, including:

  • Grasses
  • Leaves from trees and shrubs
  • Bark stripped from trees
  • Fruits
  • Roots dug up with their trunks and tusks
  • Water plants found in and around water sources

They consume up to 150 kg (330 lbs) of plant material daily, spending a large portion of their day foraging.

Behavior: Sri Lankan Elephants are social animals, living in matriarchal herds led by an experienced female. They communicate through vocalizations, touch, and chemical signals. Elephants are known for their strong social bonds, intelligence, and memory. Their activities, such as foraging and movement, significantly influence the structure and composition of their habitats, promoting biodiversity.

Conservation Status: Classified as Endangered (EN) by the IUCN Red List, the Sri Lankan Elephant faces threats from habitat loss, human-elephant conflict, and poaching. Conservation efforts are critical to ensure their survival, focusing on habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and fostering coexistence with human communities.

Lifespan: In the wild, Sri Lankan Elephants typically live 60-70 years, while those in captivity can live up to 80 years with proper care.