What is a tusker, and can I see one in Udawalawe?

A tusker is a male elephant that has grown big ivory tusks, and while it’s rare in Sri Lanka, you can sometimes spot them in Udawalawe National Park.

Unlike many African counterparts, only about 5% to 7% of male Asian elephants grow really noticeable tusks, mostly because of old poaching pressures and genetics. Udawalawe has a strong elephant population, and attentive safari-goers may come across a few familiar resident tuskers crossing through the scrublands. Seeing one of these splendid animals is treated as a very fortunate event on any safari.