Overview of a Sri Lankan elephant herd at Kaudulla, Sri Lanka
We saw five of such herds, which makes for an impressive amount of elephants in one place. Most striking is how these groups coordinate drinking and bathing in turn, in total peace and order, without any competition or rivalry. A very civilized species they are. The same cannot be said for the line of tourist jeeps overtaking each other and being loud in each selfish' need to obtain the best view. Elephants in their silence and grace clearly were the most sophisticated species on this day.
The Sri Lankan elephant is one of three recognized subspecies of the Asian elephant, and native to Sri Lanka. Since 1986, "Elephas maximus" has been listed as endangered by IUCN as the population has declined by at least 50% over the last three generations, estimated to be 60–75 years. The species is pre-eminently threatened by habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation.
