How many monkeys in Sri Lanka? Survey results released

The Ministry of Agriculture says the report of the islandwide animal census has helped identify the areas with the highest number of crop-destroying animals.

Addressing the media yesterday, ministry officials said the report reveals there are 5.17 million Toque monkeys (Rilawa), 1.74 million Grey Langurs (Wandura),  2.66 million Giant Squirrels, and 4.74 million peacocks in Sri Lanka. 

According to the census, the highest number of Toque monkeys has been reported in the Kandy, Kegalle, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kurunegala Districts. 

The census reports that the highest number of Grey Langurs has been reported in districts such as Anuradhapura, Hambantota, and Polonnaruwa.

Giant Squirrels were largely found in the Kurunegala and Monaragala Districts, while peacocks have been mostly reported in the Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, and Monaragala Districts. 

The Agriculture Ministry officials further said that the crop-destroying animals were found in large numbers in the Kegalle, Galigamuwa, and Mawanella District Secretariat areas in the Kegalle District.

They further said that in the Kandy District, large numbers of these animals were recorded in the Pahathahewaheta, Medadumbara, and Hatharaliyedda District Secretariat areas.

The details were revealed after the Agriculture Ministry made public the islandwide animal census, which was conducted on 15 March this year. 

The public was given a five-minute window, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:05 a.m., to count these animals on their properties using a designated form.

The animal census was conducted to help authorities devise strategies to mitigate the impact on crops. (Newswire)

2025-06-12