Sri Lanka’s elephant population has recorded a notable increase, according to the latest figures released by the Ministry of Environment, with the minimum estimated number rising to 7,451 in 2024.
The new data shows a steady upward trend when compared to previous nationwide counts, which recorded a minimum of 1,967 elephants in 1993 and 5,879 in 2011. Between 2021 and 2024 alone, the population has increased by 1,572 elephants, indicating significant growth in recent years.
The percentage of young tuskers, elephants with tusks among younger age groups, has also risen to 17.6 per cent in 2024, compared to 8.4 per cent in 2011 and 11.0 per cent in 1993. This marks a 9.2 per cent increase over the 2021–2024 period, suggesting improvements in breeding success and survival rates.
Meanwhile, the proportion of total tuskers in the overall elephant population stands at 6.5 per cent in 2024, slightly higher than the 6.0 per cent recorded in 2011, though still lower than the 11.5 per cent reported in 1993. The Ministry notes a marginal increase of 0.5 per cent in total tuskers between 2021 and 2024.
Officials say the latest figures will support future conservation planning, habitat management and mitigation strategies related to human-elephant conflict, as Sri Lanka continues efforts to balance wildlife protection with rural development and safety concerns. (Newswire)
