How many pairs of ribs does the Sri Lankan elephant have?

The Sri Lankan elephant has 19 pairs of ribs.

The Sri Lankan elephant, Elephas maximus maximus, is the type subspecies of the Asian elephant and is native to Sri Lanka. Its rib count is a specific anatomical detail that distinguishes quiz questions about elephant biology from broader facts about the species’ range or conservation status.

Sri Lankan elephants are the largest Asian-elephant subspecies and are found mainly in the island’s dry zone, including areas around Yala, Udawalawe, Minneriya and Wilpattu national parks. Their dark skin commonly has pronounced depigmented patches on the ears, face, trunk and belly.

The number can be confused with figures given for other elephant populations or with the number of ribs in humans, who normally have 12 pairs. The question asks specifically about the Sri Lankan elephant, for which the standard reference figure is 19 pairs.