RESEARCH ARTICLE

A STUDY ON ELEPHANT DISTRIBUTION, RANGING PATTERN WITH RESPECT TO DIFFERENT HABITAT TYPES AT MADURUOYA NATIONAL PARK, SRI LANKA, IN A VIEW OF MITIGATING HUMAN ELEPHANT CONFLICT

Abstract

This study was done in Maduruoya National Park during the year of2018. This study fmds that the elephants were recorded feeding most frequently on Panicum maximum (guinea grass), Desmotfium trifloro (L.) DC., Schleichera oleosa, Tectona grandis, Pterospermum ctlllescens (L). Elephants also feed on barks of some tree species such as .Bhouhimia racimasa, Manilktua hexandra, Tectona grandis, Syzygitun cumini. During the day time most elephants in Madurooya National Park feed in grasslands. Shrublands and water- edge habitats are also preferable feeding habitats. According to the findings, forests are not preferred habitat for to elephants. Most male elephants are solitary. Sometimes two or small herds of bull elephants have be recorded in Maduruoya. Small herds of female elephants including mother and two Fl generations are also common. During the study period in grasslands, scrublands and water edge habitats large elephant herds including more than 20 individuals are common. Day time, dawn and dusk elephants are feeding more actively. Between 12.00 noon to 14.00 hours elephants rest under the shady trees in the grasslands and scrublands. In this park there are plenty of water bodies including big reservoirs, streams and brooks etc. that have water throughout the year. According to the findings it is concluded that if a favorable habitats including nutritious food, water, space and shelter is maintained, most elephants would remain within Maduruoya National park.

Keywords: Asian elephants, Maduruoya National Park

How to Cite: Chandani Wilson,,uk,@yahoo.co,Padmalal,U.K.G.K,Jayakody,S, (2019). A STUDY ON ELEPHANT DISTRIBUTION, RANGING PATTERN WITH RESPECT TO DIFFERENT HABITAT TYPES AT MADURUOYA NATIONAL PARK, SRI LANKA, IN A VIEW OF MITIGATING HUMAN ELEPHANT CONFLICT.WILDLANKA, 7(2):Pages 065-072

Published On:2019-09-30

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