Biogeography and Three-Dimensional Histological Analysis of Prehistoric Elephant Species in the Sabaragamuwa Basin, Sri Lanka

The Sabaragamuwa basin in Sri Lanka represents a critical paleontological and archaeological repository, preserving key evidence of early Homo sapiens cultural artifacts, such as geometric microliths, alongside fossilized flora and fauna that illuminate prehistoric dietary practices. Among these, the “Rathnapura fauna” includes fossilized proboscidean remains, featuring three extinct elephant species: Elephas hysudricus, Elephas namadicus, and Elephas maximus sinhaleyus. Recovered from Pleistocene-era gem pits and alluvial deposits, these fossils—primarily dental and osseous elements—are complemented by sediment samples, enabling robust sedimentological analysis. This study employs a multidisciplinary approach to investigate the paleobiogeographical distribution of Elephas spp. within the Sabaragamuwa basin while pioneering an advanced, fully automated 3D histology reconstruction technique to visualize microvascular structures (arterioles and venules) in fossilized proboscidean dentition. By integrating high-resolution anatomical comparisons with extant literature and leveraging sedimentological data, this research aims to refine biogeographical models for these extinct taxa. Furthermore, an interactive 3D geospatial map will be developed to dynamically illustrate species distribution patterns, incorporating high-precision sediment geochemistry to assess semi-metallic influences within the basin’s geological strata. The proposed methodology not only advances paleohistological imaging through automated 3D microvascular reconstruction but also enhances paleoecological reconstructions of Pleistocene Sri Lanka. By synthesizing paleontological, sedimentological, and geospatial data, this study provides novel insights into the prehistoric ecosystems of Sabaragamuwa, establishing a framework for future interdisciplinary research in paleobiogeography and taphonomic studies.