Sri Lanka is one of the world's 34 "biodiversity hotspots," and the country is heavily dependent on its biodiversity for tourism. Pictured, a male peacock puts on a show in the country's Yala National Park.
Sri Lanka is one of the world's 34 "biodiversity hotspots," and the country is heavily dependent on its biodiversity for tourism. Pictured, a male peacock puts on a show in the country's Yala National Park.
LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI/AFP/AFP via Getty Images
There are up to 5,000 elephants left in Sri Lanka.
There are up to 5,000 elephants left in Sri Lanka.
Courtesy Sri Lanka Tourism
Elephants enjoying a stroll and a leafy snack.
Elephants enjoying a stroll and a leafy snack.
ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP/AFP via Getty Images
Sri Lankan temple monkeys taking a well deserved rest.
Sri Lankan temple monkeys taking a well deserved rest.
ISHARA S.KODIKARA/AFP/AFP via Getty Images
Sri Lankan leopards each have a unique pattern of spots.
Sri Lankan leopards each have a unique pattern of spots.
Courtesy Sri Lanka Tourism
Sri Lankan spotted deer are important prey for leopards.
Sri Lankan spotted deer are important prey for leopards.
ISHARA S.KODIKARA/AFP/AFP via Getty Images
Blue whales -- the largest animals on Earth -- swim in Sri Lankan waters.
Blue whales -- the largest animals on Earth -- swim in Sri Lankan waters.
Ishara S. KODIKARA/AFP/Getty Images
Wild boars in Yala National Park.
Wild boars in Yala National Park.
ISHARA S.KODIKARA/AFP/AFP via Getty Images
Hikkaduwa is one of the top diving spots on the island thanks to its impressive coral reefs and ship wrecks.
Hikkaduwa is one of the top diving spots on the island thanks to its impressive coral reefs and ship wrecks.
Courtesy Sri Lanka Tourism
Tea plantations cloak Sri Lanka's hill country. They occupy much of what was once prime leopard habitat.
Tea plantations cloak Sri Lanka's hill country. They occupy much of what was once prime leopard habitat.
Courtesy Sri Lanka Tourism