Sri Lanka’s Monkey Population Hits 6 Million

by Staff Writer 13-06-2025 | 11:46 AM

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Agriculture released the results of the National Wildlife Census conducted on March 15, revealing a striking abundance of certain animal species across Sri Lanka.

The census focused on four primary species: toque macaques (rilaw), purple-faced langurs (vaduru), grizzled squirrels (dandu lena), and peacocks (monara).

According to the report:

- Toque macaques: 5.17 million nationwide, with the highest concentration in Kandy District

- Purple-faced langurs: 1.74 million, most densely found in Anuradhapura.

- Grizzled squirrels: 2.66 million, with Kurunegala reporting the largest numbers.

- Peacocks: 4.24 million, also most populous in Kurunegala.

Jaffna District recorded the lowest populations across all four species.

Officials attribute the rise in wildlife numbers to poor waste management, particularly the disposal of food waste in urban and semi-urban areas. Animals have adapted to the taste and nutritional value of human food, leading to increased reproduction rates.

P.S. Fernando, Additional Secretary of the Department of Animal Production and Health, emphasized the need for proper waste disposal and the establishment of community-based crop protection committees in high-density areas to manage human-wildlife conflict.