Ecology and Behavior of the Asian Elephant

Abstract

The Asian elephant was studied in Sri Lanka from 1967 until 1978. Under the sponsorship of the Smithsonian Institution, six zoologists have elephant over a period of eleven years (Figure 1). Although elephants were addressed themselves to an analysis of the behavior and ecology of the Asian studied in all three national parks found in Sri Lanka, the major effort during the Asian elephant shares numerous behavioral traits with those of the African, the last seven years has been concentrated on Gal Oya National Park. Although differences may be noted. It is proposed that the major differences between utilization reflect the longer history of the Asian elephant's adaptation to a the two species in terms of population structure, social groupings, and habitat forest-grassland ecotone. An analysis of feeding rates and competition among seasons of the year, buffalo and elephants may become strong competitors. the various large herbivores in Gal Oya National Park indicates that at certain Interspecific competition among herbivores varies greatly when patterns of elephant has declined significantly in recent years and may properly be resource exploitation are compared among three national parks. The Asian and elephant in Asia have a far longer history than elephant-agricultural considered a threatened, if not an endangered, species. Conflicts between man conflicts which are developing in Africa. peninsular India is a tribute to the adaptability of human culture to The elephant's survival in accommodate another species.