A preliminary study to investigate behavioural differences among elephants residing near the Buttala-Kataragama and Habarana roads in Sri Lanka, where they are regularly fed by passing motorists

This study examined the behavior of wild Sri Lankan Elephants Elephas maximus living in districts near Buttala-Katragama road (B035) and Habarana road (A11). Elephants at B035 were observed to be more attracted to food given by motorists than those at A11, who were more interested in feeding on surrounding vegetation, strolling, and crossing the road. Motorists travelling the B035 route were also observed to be more likely to feed elephants than those travelling the A11 route, despite the latter having the most traffic.