Imagine Africa with no elephants. In 100 years, that statement may be reality. Accordingto BBC News, the number of African elephantsbeing killed per year exceeds the number born.
George Wittemyer, from Colorado State University has stated, “We are shredding the fabric of elephant society and exterminating populations across the continent.”Reasons for the harsh decline mainly surround the illegal trade of elephant tusks. These tusks fetch high prices on the black market and are desired by traders because they garner extremely profitable cash offers. This practice has become increasingly common over the past few years and has primarily been driven by the Asian markets. To place the impact of the ivory trade on the elephant population in a greater perspective, researches have conducted a specific study focusing on the last few years. The study states that between the years 2010 and 2013, 7% of the elephant population in Africa died off each year. Elephant births, on the other hand, only boosted the population by 5%.
It doesn’t take a mathematician to realize that this results in a net decrease of the total elephant population.
The decline of elephants also varies by region. Central Africa is afflicted with the highest poaching level. In Central Africa alone, the elephant population has declined by approximately 60% over the past decade.
Other regions however, such as Botswana have very healthy growing populations according to BBC.
John E. Scanlon, Secretary-General of CITES, has proposed several solutions. He said,“ In terms of concrete actions, we need to move to focus on the front-line and tackle all links in the illegal ivory trade chain-improve local livelihoods (for those living with elephants),strengthen enforcement and governance and reduce demand for illegal ivory.”No one can foresee the future of the African elephant population. But a united effort to bring this to public attention may help international humanitarian efforts for the cause.
Regardless, serious action is needed in order to maintain order so that elephants do not be-come a severely impacted species.
