02/09/2011 | C. Martin
Wildlife lovers will be happy to know that a recent survey conducted in Sri Lanka's forests and wildlife parks has revealed that the country has more than 5,800 wild elephants.
According to the country's Wildlife minister SM Chandrasena, the first national survey conducted in August found that the country has a population of 5,879 wild elephants, including 122 tuskers and 1,107 calves.
Around 4,000 wildlife workers, farmers and villagers took part in the survey for three days to count and categorise elephants at watering holes across the Indian Ocean island.
Britons interested in seeing wild elephants in their natural habitats can take Sri Lanka holidays and go on a vacation to the Indian Ocean island.
In the past, surveys were restricted to only a few regions.
Estimated number of elephants in a previous survey was 5,350, said Wildlife department director general HD Ratnayake.
He said the information gathered on the endangered species will be used for conservation work.
"This statistics shows that Sri Lanka's elephants are in good health and that their population is growing," he added.
Copyright Press Association 2011