There are 94 species of indigenous mammals recognized in the country of which 21 are endemic. The Wild Buffalo Bubalis bubalis commonly seen in our national parks is categorized as a species introduced to Sri Lanka even though a strong feral population has been established. The above number excludes the 30 species of marine mammals recorded from our territorial waters. ( The National Red List 2012 of Sri Lanka )
The number of species can be categorized as follows;
Pangolins 1, Shrews 10, Bats & Pipistrels 30, Monkeys 3, Loris 2, Jackals 1, Cats 4, Mongoose 4, Otter 1, Bear 1, Palm Cats & Civets 5, Elephant 1, Wild Buffalo 1, Deer 4, Wild Boar 1, Mouse Deer 2, Porcupine 1, Bandicoots, Mice & Rats 15, Flying Squirrels 2, Squirrels 4, Hare 1, Whales & Dolphins 29, Dugong 1
References
- Wilson,D.E. & Mittermeier, R.A eds. (2009)Handbook of the Mammals of the World. Vol. 1. Carnivores, Vol. 2 Hoofed Mammals, Lynx Edicions, Barcelona.
- W. W. A. Phillips, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. (1935) Ceylon Journal of Science MANUAL of the MAMMALS OF CEYLON.
- The National Red List 2012 of Sri Lanka, Conservation status of the Fauna & Flora prepared by the Biodiversity Secretariat of the Ministry of Environment.
- Andrew Duff and Ann Lawson (2004) MAMMALS of the WORLD A Checklist A & C Black Publishers Ltd., 37 Soho Square, London W1D 3QZ.
- An Ecological Reconnaissance of Wilpattu National Park, Ceylon May 1972 by John F. Eisenberg and Melvyn Lockhart.
- Resource Inventory of Wilpattu National Park - Final Report By The World Conservation Union (IUCN) Sri Lanka, December 2006
- The Mammals of Sri Lanka by Asoka Yapa and Gamini Ratnaweera, First Edition Copy Rights Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka 2013
- Pictorial Pocket Guide to the Mammals of Sri Lanka (revised & expanded)by Sarath Kotagama, Sampath de. A Goonatilake Colour Illustrations by Gamini Ratnaweera 2013