Colombo, June 13 — The National Animal Census, conducted on March 15, 2025, has revealed significant population figures for several key wildlife species in Sri Lanka. The official report was released yesterday at the Ministry of Agriculture by the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute.
According to the Institute’s CEO and Director, Prof. A. L. Sandika, the census estimates that Sri Lanka is home to:
- 5.17 million Toque monkeys (Rilawa)
- 1.74 million purple-faced langurs (Wandura)
- 4.24 million peacocks
- 2.26 million giant squirrels (Dadu Lena)
The census was carried out as part of a national initiative to support wildlife management, ecological research, and agricultural planning, given the frequent interactions between these species and human habitats and farmland.
Prof. Sandika also detailed the expenditure of the project, noting that Rs. 2.4 million was spent on printing seven million information leaflets, while a total of Rs. 2.7 million was allocated for leaflet-related expenses. These materials were distributed as part of the data collection and awareness campaign surrounding the census.
Authorities say the updated wildlife statistics will assist in developing more targeted conservation efforts, as well as in creating land use policies that minimize human-wildlife conflict—particularly in rural and agricultural areas.
The findings mark a critical step forward in data-driven environmental policy and reaffirm the importance of regular national monitoring of species populations.
