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The History and Value of the Elephant in Sri Lankan Society

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  • Bandara, Ranjith
  • Tisdell, Clement A.

Abstract

Reviews the literature to provide an overview of the historical significance of the elephant in Sri Lankan society, an association which dates back more than 4,000 years. The present status of this relationship assessed on the basis of the findings of a recent study undertaken on the total economic value of elephants in Sri Lanka. This paper, first briefly outlines the history, evolution, nature and their distribution of the Asian elephant while providing some insights on the status of the elephant (Elephas maxima maxima) in Sri Lanka. Next, it reviews the literature in order to assess the historical affiliation that the elephant has maintained with the Sri Lankan society, its culture, history, mythology and religion. The empirical evidence on the economic value of conservation of the remaining elephant population in Sri Lanka is reviewed and the Sri Lankan people’s attitudes towards conserving this species of wildlife. Literature reviewed and analysis undertaken indicates that the elephant in Sri Lanka, still, as in the past has a special place in Sri Lankan society, particularly, in its culture, religion and value system. Thus, there is a strong case for ensuring the survival of wild elephant population in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, it also suggests that the community as a whole will experience a net benefit from ensuring the survival of wild elephants in Sri Lanka.

Suggested Citation

  • Bandara, Ranjith & Tisdell, Clement A., 2005. "The History and Value of the Elephant in Sri Lankan Society," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 55092, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:uqseee:55092
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.55092
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    File URL: https://ageconsearch.umn.edu/record/55092/files/WP133.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Tisdell, Clement A. & Bandara, Ranjith, 2003. "Visitors' reaction to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka: A Survey," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 48963, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    2. Loomis, John B. & White, Douglas S., 1996. "Economic benefits of rare and endangered species: summary and meta-analysis," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 18(3), pages 197-206, September.
    3. Bandara, Ranjith & Tisdell, Clement A., 2002. "Asian Elephants as Agricultural Pests: Damages, Economics of Control and Compensation in Sri Lanka," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 48735, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    4. Bandara, Ranjith & Tisdell, Clement A., 2003. "Use and non-use values of wild Asian elephants: A total economic valuation approach," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 48961, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
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    Cited by:

    1. Svizzero, Serge & Tisdell, Clem, 2014. "The Neolithic Revolution and Human Societies: Diverse Origins and Development Paths," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 168375, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    2. Serge Svizzero & Clement Allan Tisdell, 2014. "Hunter-Gatherer Societies: Their Diversity and Evolutionary Processes," Working Papers hal-02152682, HAL.

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