Abstract:
Elephants (Elephas maximus maximus) are highly mobile and migratory animals, with reasons
ranging from genetic factors to a seasonal carrying capacity that affects their ability to reach
ecological niches. Wasgamuwa National Park is one of the primary habitats for elephants,
located in the Matale and Monaragala districts within the Mahaweli Wildlife Region. Five
biological corridors facilitate elephants' migration to various destinations, while the
park's remaining boundaries are secured by electric fences. This research aims to assess
the effectiveness of the biological corridors in supporting elephants’ movements within
Wasgamuwa National Park. Fieldwork was conducted on several occasions in and around the
park. Purposive sampling was employed to identify respondents. Four discussions were held
with park guides, guards, and volunteers. An interview was conducted with the park warden
regarding the elephants in the park, the status of the electric fences, and the corridors.
Additionally, five group discussions were carried out in several villages adjacent to the park.
According to the findings, approximately 140 to 170 elephants inhabit the park, and around
70 to 90 elephants migrate primarily between June and October through five major corridors
that facilitate free movement to various destinations: Northern Via Angamadilla National Park
to Minneriya National Park known as the Minneriya Jungle Corridor, North-Eastern Flood
Plain National Park, South- Eastern Maduru Oya National Park, Western Elahara Sanctuary,
and South-Western Pitwala Pathana. Minneriya Jungle corridor is highly used by the elephants
during the dry season which falls from June to October. The second most used corridor is the
North-Eastern corridor to the Flood Plain National Park, which is connected to Somawathiya
National Park. Comparatively the rest of the three corridors are less used by the elephants.
The findings underscore that the elephants’ corridors towards Northern and North-Eastern
directions are more effective. The elephant herds travel from Wasgamuwa towards various
directions using corridors in search of food, water and mates. This Elephant migration pattern
is common annually from June to October. These elephants reach the ‘Minneriya Elephant
Gathering’ in December and January and return back to Wasgamuwa in May.
