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.
