News
Elephant population rises to 7,451, but experts urge caution
Sri Lanka’s minimum wild elephant population has increased to 7,451, according to the latest data released yesterday by the Ministry of Environment. The figures—compiled using census data from 1993, 2011, and the 2024 countrywide survey—point to an overall rise of 1,572 elephants compared to 2021.
However, the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) said the numbers must be interpreted responsibly and within context.
A senior DWC official told The Island that while the upward trend is encouraging, it does not necessarily indicate an improvement in conservation outcomes.
“The rise in numbers is a minimum estimate, not an exact count,” the official said. “Elephants are long-lived, and population changes reflect decades of births and deaths. What concerns us is the escalating human–elephant conflict, which continues to claim lives on both sides.”
The data also shows a sharp increase in the percentage of young tuskers, jumping from 8.4% in 2011 to 17.6% this year—an improvement of 9.2%. The percentage of total tuskers has seen only a marginal rise of 0.5%, increasing from 6.0% to 6.5%.
According to the DWC, tusker demographics are a critical indicator of both genetic health and long-term viability.
“Sri Lanka has one of the lowest proportions of tuskers in Asia due to historical poaching pressure,” the official noted. “Any upward movement is positive, but these increases remain fragile. Protection must be strengthened, especially in poaching-prone regions.”
Wildlife experts also cautioned that population growth alone does not reflect improved habitat conditions.
“We are seeing elephants surviving, but not necessarily thriving,” the DWC source added. “Habitat fragmentation continues at an alarming rate, forcing elephants into villages and farmland. Without serious land-use reform and proper implementation of the National Action Plan, these numbers could easily reverse.”
Environmental groups have already questioned whether the census methodology adequately accounts for elephants trapped in fragmented habitats or confined to small forest patches.The Ministry of Environment said it will release a detailed technical report shortly.
By Ifham Nizam ✍️
Three Sri Lankan leopard cubs that were born at the Singapore Zoo on Jan 1 have now made their public debut at the facility.
The two males and one female, born to mother Yala and father Asanka, are the first of their species yo be born at the Singapore Zoo. The last successful birth in Singapore was recorded at the Night Safari three decades ago.
The triplets, which are the pair’s first litter, are among around 80 Sri Lankan leopards in zoos worldwide.
The species is listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, with fewer than 800 individuals estimated to remain in the wild.
Visitors can now see the triplets at the Wild Africa exhibit, said the Mandai Wildlife Group in a statement on April 16.
The cubs can be found in the exhibit with their mother daily until mid-May and, subsequently, every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
Yala with her cubs in their nest box, a month after their birth on Jan 1. (Straits Times)
A leopard cub investigating a piece of meat suspended from a tree – one of the several enrichment items in the Wild Africa exhibit designed to keep the cats mentally and physically stimulated. (Straits Times)
Mandai Wildlife Group curator Anand Kumar said it took nearly three years and close collaboration across continents to bring together a compatible pair of Sri Lankan leopards.
(Straits Times)
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-zoos-first-sri-lankan-leopard-cubs-make-their-public-debut?ref=top-stories
The Sri Lanka Navy has seized a local multi- day fishing trawler, it’s four man crew together with a consignment suspected to be narcotics off the Southern Coast of the island.
The vessel is presently being escorted to the Dikowita fisheries harbour for further investigations and legal proceedings.
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 15 April 2026, valid for 16 April 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491
Singapore Zoo’s first Sri Lankan leopard cubs make their public debut
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