SPATIAL VARIATION OF FORAGE MATTERS OF ASIAN ELEPHANTS IN HUMAN-DOMINATED AND NATURAL AREAS IN WASGAMUWA, SRI LANKA

Abstract

Understanding the dietary patterns of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in varying habitats is critical for effective conservation and Human elephant conflict mitigation. This study investigated the dietary preferences of elephants in natural and human-dominated areas of Wasgamuwa, Sri Lanka, from August 2024 to March 2025. The Wasgamuwa National Park was chosen as the natural area. The villages near the southern border of the park were chosen as the human-dominated area. A total of 100 dung samples were collected, with 50 from each area, and analyzed under the microscope to identify forage matters. Nine plant species were identified from the analysis, where two species were distinctively found in the samples collected from the human-dominated area, and one plant species was found to be distinctive to the natural area. The remaining 7 plant species were found in samples from both areas. Monocot leaves were present in all samples, and wood particles were more abundant in elephant dung from human-dominated areas. These findings indicate that elephants primarily consume monocot plants, with Panicum maximum as the most consumed species across both habitats. To identify the forage consumed by elephants in relation to availability in both areas, 24 quadrats (10 m × 10 m) were established in each area. A total of 14 plant species were identified:2 species were exclusive to the natural area, 5 species were found only in the human-dominated area, and the remaining 7 species were common to both areas. Tectona grandis was the most consumed species in human-dominated areas, while Cynodon dactylon dominated in natural areas. These findings suggest elephants adapt their diet to forage availability, favouring grass in natural areas and tree species in human-dominated areas. Surveys with farmers were conducted to assess and identify the crop preferences of elephants. Ninety-seven crop-raiding incidents were recorded. Through these recorded incidents, 15 crops were identified that were consumed by the elephants. With paddy being the most raided crop. The peak of raids happens in December. Physical properties of dung, including moisture (24.59% in human-dominated areas vs. 26.51% in natural areas; p=0.101) and crude fibre content (47.27% vs. 40.47%; p=0.33), were analyzed using standard methods. Minor differences were observed in the physical condition of dung between the two areas. These findings provide a baseline for future research on foraging variations and inform habitat management strategies to reduce human-elephant conflict while supporting elephant conservation.