AN ETHNO-ZOOLOGICAL STUDY OF DOMESTICATED ELEPHANTS IN SRI LANKA

Abstract

The Sri Lankan elephant E l e p h a s m a x i m u s m a x i n m s is an endangered species. The number in the wild is continuing to decline. Survival and propagation of elephants greatly depend on its domesticated population Thus it becomes increasingly important to improve the husbandly' of domesticated elephants The objectives of this study were to gather information on the aspects of ownership of elephants, to collect information about mahouts; to examine the maintenance cost of elephants, and to characterise the age distribution, physical characters, body condition, injuries, work load, diet and medical treatment of domestic elephants. The data were collected on 140 elephants, 137 mahouts and 82 owners Questionnaires and interviews were used to obtain the required information about elephants, mahouts, and owners The physical characteristics and injuries were observed. Body condition of elephants were assessed using a ranking method Shoulder height, neck girth, chest girth and eye to ear measurements were taken.