Highest level of elephant poaching 'for a decade'
27th June 2012
A recent report by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has revealed elephant poaching levels are at their worst for a decade
As well as elephant poaching levels, the study also found that recorded ivory seizures are at their highest levels since 1989. The Monitoring of Illegal Killing of Elephants programme (MIKE) has reported a steady increase in levels of elephant poaching, with 2011 recording the highest since monitoring began ten years ago. Kenya and Tanzania were targeted by the report, saying most ivory smuggling containers leave the African continent through these two East African countries.
Last year, 2011, was also highlighted as being the worst year on record for ivory poaching.
Governments from the countries where elephants reside have been urged to take immediate action by conservationists to protect their elephant populations.
“While being essential, enforcement efforts to stop wildlife crime must not just result in seizures – they must result in prosecutions, convictions and strong penalties to stop the flow of contraband. The whole ‘enforcement chain’ must work together.” commented John Scanlon, CITES Secretary-General.
The WWF said the illegal ivory trade has reached 'crisis levels in Africa' on its website. It also stated: “It is estimated that tens of thousands of elephants are being killed each year for their tusks, which are in demand in Asia.”
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