Feeding behaviour of the asiatic elephant in South-East Sri Lanka in relation to conservation

Abstract

This paper reports on important behavioural aspects of the Asiatic elephant (Elephas maximus) in South-East Sri Lanka (Ceylon), in relation to recommendations for its conservation. The activity cycle of the elephant has been investigated in relation to local or short-range movements which were found to be diurnally rhythmic. The elephant was estimated to spend about 17 to 19 h/day feeding. The feeding cycle is seen to consist of three successive phases, namely (1) rapid movement and low feeding rate, (2) little movement and high feeding rate, and (3) a certain amount of movement and relaxed feeding. During a given feeding cycle an elephant consumes about 150 kg of fresh vegetation and defecates about 80 kg of it per day. The dynamics of grass feeding were worked out for a herd of elephants in the Gal Oya National Park. The outlook for the elephant population in South-East Sri Lanka has been critically analysed with reference to its mode of habitat utilisation. The main constraints introduced into its ecosystem are discussed, namely blocking of migratory routes, burning of grassland, construction of roads, grazing of domestic cattle in its home ranges, felling of trees by villagers, and an over-population of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Measures for conservation are briefly dealt with.