African Wildlife Foundation raises alarm over poaching of elephant tusks

A stark warning has been issued by conservationists and wildlife experts, as the poaching of elephant tusks in Africa reaches alarming levels.

The illegal wildlife trade, driven by demand for ivory, has led to a significant decline in elephant populations, threatening the very survival of these majestic creatures.

According to the African Wildlife Foundation, over 20,000 elephants are killed annually for their tusks, with the majority of poaching incidents occurring in Central and West Africa.

The Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, and Cameroon are among the countries most affected by this crisis.

“The situation is dire,” said Dr. Jane Gitau, a renowned conservation biologist. “We are losing elephants at an unprecedented rate, and if we don’t act now, we risk losing them forever.”

The main driver of this crisis is the lucrative ivory trade, with a single kilogram of elephant tusk fetching up to $1,000 on the black market.

Criminal syndicates, often linked to terrorist organizations, are behind the poaching, using sophisticated weapons and tactics to evade law enforcement.

Conservation efforts are underway, with governments, NGOs, and local communities working together to protect elephant habitats and disrupt poaching networks.

However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of demand and supply.

“We need to tackle the demand side of the equation, particularly in Asia, where ivory is seen as a status symbol,” said John Waweru, Director of the Kenya Wildlife Service. “We also need to support African governments in their efforts to protect their wildlife and natural resources.”

The international community has been urged to take action, with the African Union and the United Nations calling for increased cooperation and funding to combat wildlife trafficking.

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