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First comprehensive wildlife census reveals millions of Toque monkeys, Grey Langurs
The Island
|June 13, 2025
The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation has released the results of Sri Lanka's first countrywide wildlife census of common but often overlooked animals.
According to a report released by the ministry, Sri Lanka is currently home to some 5.17 million Toque Monkeys (rilava), 1.74 million Grey Langurs (wandura), 2.66 million palm squirrels (dandu lena), and more than 4.24 million peacocks (monaru).
These findings, gathered during the 2024 countrywide census, reflect a detailed and collaborative effort spanning multiple government and research institutions.
"This is the most comprehensive enumeration of these species ever undertaken in the country," said A.L. Sandika, Director and CEO of the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute (HARTI).
This story is from the June 13, 2025 edition of The Island.
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