World Elephant Day

Discussion on Elephant Management and poaching topics
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Lisbeth
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World Elephant Day

Post by Lisbeth »

World Elephant Day on 12 August presents an opportunity to take a sobering view of the current situation of elephants on the continent and in South Africa. So far this year, the number of elephants being killed in Africa remains unacceptably high.

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Southern Africa is effectively now the last fortress for rhinos on the continent. This has to represent a level of conservation success on behalf of the region and one which is now being reflected in elephant populations, as Southern Africa now houses 55% of Africa's elephants compared to 20 years ago where the figure was only 21%.

West Africa on the other hand has lost nearly all its elephants and now has only 1.6% of the continent's population. Central Africa and East Africa are experiencing extreme levels of poaching, and the threat of illegal killings is already being felt in Southern Africa. An example of this is Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania, which had a population of between 50,000 and 80,000 elephants just four years ago, but when a new census was conducted in 2014 it was discovered that the population had been decimated to approximately 13,000.

Loss of genes

Another concern is the loss of the valued big tusk genes that, once lost, would be gone forever. A large tusker generally refers to an elephant with tusks that are over 50kg in weight. The number of these large animals has decreased due to poaching and, in some cases, due to hunting. These large iconic elephant bulls are being targeted by poachers as was seen recently with the poaching of possibly Africa's largest tusker, Satao, in Kenya on 30 May 2014. This magnificent specimen was estimated to have been born in 1968 and at the age of 46 his tusks were longer than 2m and weighed more than 50kg a side. Satao was tragically killed by a poison arrow.

"These iconic specimens are ambassadors for an iconic species for the African continent and its culture. Like the rhino, the survival of elephants and the way that we manage the remaining populations lies in our hands," says WESSA's Biodiversity Unit leader, Chris Galliers. "We see time and time again that the survival of these flagship species is directly linked to the level of political will to protect them. It would be the most senseless act of greed if we were not able to hand over healthy wild populations of African elephants to the generations that follow."

Unreported poaching

Chairman of the WESSA Board, Dr Richard Lewis said, these giants, who develop deep emotional bonds between themselves, and display a level of caring and intelligence seemingly beyond most other mammals, are being systematically slaughtered at an overwhelming rate but which goes largely unreported due to the massive media focus on rhino poaching. "People across the world have to be made aware of the plight of the elephant, so that they can voice their opposition and bring pressure to bear on authorities in Africa to do more to protect these magnificent animals."

WESSA believes that South Africa could play a leading role at both a political and management level in securing the future of elephants on the continent. They also urge all South Africans to become more aware of the plight of elephants as we do not want the dire situation of our rhino populations to be replicated. http://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/505/117308.html


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World Elephant Day is a time for celebration and concern

Post by Lisbeth »

Since the beginning of January 2014, not a single week has passed without law enforcers confiscating shipments of ivory.

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"Every seizure of ivory represents the slaughter of elephants wherever they live, but mostly in Africa, in countries where poverty and political insecurity make it possible for poachers and trafficking cartels to operate unhindered," says Jason Bell, director of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) Elephant Programme.

"As animal lovers around the world get ready to celebrate World Elephant Day on Tuesday, 12 August, it's worth reflecting that, since the beginning of January, not a single week has passed without law enforcers confiscating shipments of ivory - both large and small. At least 35,000 elephants a year die the cruelest of deaths to supply the trade.

"In seven months we've seen nearly ten tons of ivory seized in large scale consignments - those over 500kg which Interpol, the global security agency, say are the indicators of organised crime being behind illicit ivory trade," said Bell. "This figure does not include the numerous other seizures smaller than 500kg."

Trafficking exit port

In January Togo intercepted four tons of ivory, its biggest bust ever. Togo is believed to have fewer than 200 elephants remaining in the wild, but is emerging as an important trafficking exit port from Africa. Cambodia made its biggest ivory seizure ever in May when authorities seized three tons of ivory.

Other substantial seizures included a 2.1 ton seizure in Mombasa, Kenya in early June, and 790kg of ivory in Hong Kong, found hidden in luggage on board a flight to Cambodia, and which had originated in Angola.

Most illegal ivory is destined for Asia, in particular China, where it has soared in value as an investment vehicle and is coveted as 'white gold'. Availability of legal ivory in China purchased form the stockpile sale in southern Africa in 2008 has, in turn, boosted demand encouraging illegal ivory trade and the poaching of elephants to meet market needs.

The only way countries are going to stop poaching of elephants and illegal trade is by cooperating with agencies such as Interpol, and the law enforcement bodies of other governments to map and profile those behind this transnational criminal activity and dedicate the resources needed to reduce the capacity of those who seek profit from ivory trafficking.

Greater awareness

The future for elephants may appear bleak, but Bell said there is much that is positive with regards to worldwide action to save elephants. There is greater awareness and commitment from governments, law enforcers and civil society than ever to co-operate to bring an end to the slaughter of elephants.

"So far this year four countries - China, France, Chad and Belgium - have destroyed their ivory stockpiles; we've seen organisations like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) single out a further 11 countries, bringing to 19 the countries CITES demands institute national action plans to protect elephants and prevent illegal ivory trade, and organisations like IFAW are partnering with influential institutions like the Clinton Global Initiative to work with African leaders to stop the killing, stop the trafficking and stop the demand to save elephants," said Bell. http://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/505/117300.html


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World Elephant Day 2015

Post by RogerFraser »

In Celebrating world Elephant day 2015 a selection of Elephants I have met ...

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Mel
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Re: World Elephant Day 2015

Post by Mel »

Wonderful, Roger! \O

Some of my favourites:
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Re: World Elephant Day 2015

Post by nan »

I would like to share too
from Addo 16.10.2012

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Re: World Elephant Day 2015

Post by nan »

and from Kruger

Image Mastulele

Image Mac

Image Riceho

Image ... and the famous


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Re: World Elephant Day 2015

Post by Flutterby »

Lovely pics everyone. \O


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Mel
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Re: World Elephant Day 2015

Post by Mel »

^Q^ ^Q^ ^Q^ nan!


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Re: World Elephant Day 2015

Post by Richprins »

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More to come! :twisted:


Great pics! O/\


Please check Needs Attention pre-booking: https://africawild-forum.com/viewtopic.php?f=322&t=596
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Re: World Elephant Day 2015

Post by nan »

well done... if it's not a plate is a trunk 0'
^Q^


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