The
Sri Lankan elephant (
Elephas maximus maximus) 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.