Elephants are one of the most popular animals in Sri Lanka. These gentle giant can be spotted both in the wilderness as well as hundreds of domesticated elephants too can be spotted around the country. Read on to know more about these magnificent creatures.
About
Elephants are Sri Lanka’s largest land mammal and they are a protected species of animals in the country. Known by the scientific name Elephas Maximus Maximus and they are also the largest Asian elephant species.
Habitat and behaviour
The elephants can be found living in grasslands around many of the country’s protected wildlife reserves. Female elephants and their calves live in groups and male elephants live a solitary life and they only interact with other elephants during the breeding season.
Threats faced by the elephants
Despite the efforts of the government, the population of the Sri Lankan elephants are continuously decreasing due to habitat loss and poaching.
Seeing them
You can see these gentle giants up close and personal at the elephant reserves such as Pinnawala or if you wish to see them in their natural habitats you can book an Elephant Safari in Sri Lanka from nature travel operators the likes of Cinnamon Nature Trails.
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+