Standing at an average height of 11 ft. and weighing 6 tons, the African elephant is the largest mammal walking the Earth. As they migrate through the African continent, their presence profoundly shapes the ecosystem.1 The animal is vital to the survival of several species varying from trees that rely on elephants to disperse their seeds to the smaller ground animals who drink from the water that accumulates in their giant indented footprints. The African elephant is indisputably beautiful, intelligent and social; but it is in grave danger. Approximately 400,000 individual African elephants are left in the wild, and their existence is constantly and heavily threatened by human activity.2
In 2004, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) declared the African Elephant to be vulnerable – meaning that they are at a high risk of becoming extinct or endangered in the near future. According to the IUCN, a species is considered endangered if there is a : “50–70% population decrease over 10 years, a total geographic area less than 5,000 km2 (or local population area less than 500 km2), a population size less than 2,500 adults, a restricted population of 250 adults, or a statistical prediction that it will go extinct within the next 20 years.”3
The elephant is hunted at the rate that it is because of its ivory tusks. The most distinguishable features of an elephant are its elongated incisors which are made of ivory: a hard, white and extremely valuable and durable material. This “white gold” is currently worth a total of $1,500 per pound and is sold primarily as fashion and ornamental items carved into jewelry, art pieces or kept as a trophy and a sign of wealth.4 To collect this ivory, poachers kill elephants and mutilate the animal’s head to extract the tusks from their root in the cranial cavity.5
This ivory trade was banned in 1989 under Appendix 1 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which mentions that the Elephas Maximus and “all parts and derivatives of the species” are to be protected.6 Despite the convention, the ivory trade is very much alive and is decimating the species. Five African countries continue to provide ivory Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, Malawi and Burundi because herds reside within the states’ boundaries or because they possess stocks of ivory ready to sell to the highest bidder.7
Poachers, who are for the most part locals, rely on the money made from selling tusks to sustain their family. As was the case with John Kaimio a 33-year-old Kenyan man who admitted to killing 70 elephants and was sentenced to prison. Kaimio explained that before entering this business his family would rely on livestock, but the arid climate killed the animals and any resources needed to survive. In his own words Kaimio explained that he went into the business of poaching to meet the needs of his family, “to buy food and pay for my child to go to boarding school. This amount could change things.”8
Despite the widespread structural poverty in these countries, poaching remains a cruel business and organizations around the world fight to put an end to this illicit trade. One of these organizations is The Elephant Information System (ETIS) which tracks down parties of the illegal ivory trade. It has classified countries like China, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Uganda, and Vietnam as being of primary concern because of the vast amounts of ivory that have been seized or because they serve major transit points for ivory.9 China remains the world’s largest consumer of legal and illegal ivory that is used for medicine, ornaments, and all kinds of carvings. It is estimated that 50% to 70% of poached ivory ends up in China despite there being a ban in place since 1990.10
In 2017, China announced they would begin a new and heavily enforced total ban on domestic ivory with the purpose to “improve elephant conservation and combat illegal ivory trade…”11 Since December 30, 2017, China banned not only the processing of ivory, but also the sale of it. Additionally, ivory carvers and anyone who relied on the ivory business to survive, have been encouraged to work in museums or abandon their skills altogether.
Other countries involved in the ivory trade include Belgium, Austria, the Czech Republic and the United States, which is the second largest ivory consumer in the world.12 In 2017, President Trump lifted the ban on importing elephant heads from Zimbabwe and Zambia into the United States. The justification for lifting the ban is that managing the population of elephants in these African countries will benefit the survival of other species in the wild.13 As explained by the CEO of the Humane Society, Wayne Pallace, lifting this ban delivers a message to the rest of the world that by allowing rich Americans to collect trophies, the United States is dismissing the international community’s efforts to ensure the survival of the elephant risking their becoming endangered.14.
Other countries, however, are doing all that they can to protect the species. In 2016, the Kenyan government set on fire 105 tons of ivory- the remains of 6,500 poached elephants, to convey to the world that they are fervently opposed to the ivory trade. In the words of President Kenyatta, “For us, ivory is worthless unless it is in our elephants.”15 In the past 27 years countries like the United States, China, the Philippines and many others have burned their ivory stockpiles, but none has ever been as huge or as significant. This action of solidarity with the elephant in Kenya is classified as the largest burning of ivory in world history and is important to mention because Kenya is an underdeveloped country that struggles with poverty and droughts. President Kenyatta explained that the worth of their stockpile – which is roughly $150 million dollars – could aid the development of the country significantly, but prefers to burn the tusks due to the immorality of poaching.16
Governments, however, are not the only entities capable and willing to help the African elephant. More than 50 international organizations dedicate their efforts to ensure the survival of the African Elephant. Some of which include: the Nature Conservancy, Save the Elephants, Global Sanctuary for Elephants, Friends of the Elephant and many others. Much can be done to help at the individual level as well by joining protests for the banishment of the ivory trade. An example of this occurred in 2014, where thousands marched in 136 cities ranging from Washington, D.C. to Paris, to Nairobi, Kenya to pressure government officials in these countries to ban poaching and to toughen the laws that allow for it to take place.17 The cruel and unnecessary poaching of elephants will halt when the demand for the material ceases and alternative means of survival can be pursued for former poachers to support their families. The ivory trade will bring about the extinction of the African elephant, unless altered. The situation for the African elephant will improve once all people become educated of the ruthlessness behind this business, and governments all around the world become willing to join the conservation efforts to save the elephants. As humans it is our duty to prevent such intrinsically beautiful and important species from disappearing from the face of the Earth.
- ”African Elephant”, World Wildlife Fund, accessed April 22, 2018, https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/african-elephant. ↵
- Paul G. Allen’s Vulcan Inc., “Great Elephant Census Final Results,” Great Elephant Census, last modified 2016, http://www.greatelephantcensus.com/final-report. ↵
- Jonathan Hogeback, Encyclopedia Britannica, s.v.”What Makes a Species Endangered?, accessed April 22, 2018, https://www.britannica.com/story/what-makes-a-species-endangered” Between 2007-2014, the elephant population decreased by 30% and the decline rate is rapidly accelerating primarily due to poaching for the ivory trade. The extinction of this species is then highly plausible and it becomes clear that the African elephant is rapidly approaching the threshold where they will be classified as endangered.[3. Paul G. Allen’s Vulcan Inc., “Great Elephant Census Final Results,” Great Elephant Census, las modified 2016, http://www.greatelephantcensus.com/final-report. ↵
- Mark Strauss, “Who buys Ivory? You’d be Surprised,” National Geographic, August 12, 2015, https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/08/150812-elephant-ivory-demand-wildlife-trafficking-china-world/. ↵
- Erin Keyes, “An Elephant’s Tears,” African Wildlife Foundation (blog), February 2, 2010, http://www.greatelephantcensus.com/final-report. ↵
- Appendices I,II, III “Convention on International Trade in Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES),” July 1973, https://www.cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php. ↵
- Jane Perlez, “Ivory Trade is Banned to Save the Elephant,” The New York Times, October 1989, https://www.nytimes.com/1989/10/17/science/ivory-trade-is-banned-to-save-the-elephant.html. ↵
- Stephen Messenger, “Exclusive Interview with an Elephant Poacher,” the Dodo, January 1, 2014, https://www.thedodo.com/interview-with-an-elephant-poa-390317914.html. ↵
- Adam Cruise, “Ivory Trading Nations Exposed,” Conservation Action Trust, November 28, 2016, https://conservationaction.co.za/media-articles/ivory-trading-nations-exposed/. ↵
- Ross Harvey, “China’s ban on domestic ivory trade is huge, but the battle isn’t won,” The Conservation, January 11, 2017, https://theconversation.com/chinas-ban-on-domestic-ivory-trade-is-huge-but-the-battle-isnt-won-71090. ↵
- “China Announcement of Domestic Ivory Ban in 2017- English Translation,” WCS Newsroom, January 3, 2017,https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/12/wildlife-watch-china-ivory-ban-goes-into-effect/. ↵
- Adam Cruise, “Ivory Trading Nations Exposed,” Conservation Action Trust, November 28, 2016, https://conservationaction.co.za/media-articles/ivory-trading-nations-exposed/. ↵
- Adam Edelman and Kristen Welker, “Trump Administration lifts ban on importing heads of hunted elephants,” NBC News, November 16, 2017, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/trump-administration-lifts-ban-importing-heads-hunted-elephants-n821331 ↵
- Adam Edelman and Kristen Welker, “Trump Administration lifts ban on importing heads of hunted elephants,” NBC News, November 16, 2017, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/trump-administration-lifts-ban-importing-heads-hunted-elephants-n821331 ↵
- Rachel Nuwer, “Kenya Sets Ablaze 105 tons of Ivory,” National Geographic, April 30, 2016, https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/04/160430-kenya-record-breaking-ivory-burn/. ↵
- Rachel Nuwer, “Kenya Sets Ablaze 105 tons of Ivory,” National Geographic, April 30, 2016, https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/04/160430-kenya-record-breaking-ivory-burn/. ↵
- Agence France-Presse, “Elephant poaching: thousands march worldwide for wildlife protection,” The Guardian, October 4, 2014, https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/oct/05/elephant-poaching-thousands-march-worldwide-for-wildlife-protection. ↵
120 comments
setter
Hello Ana, thank you for such an important and interesting explanation of the ivory trade and its relevance to global politics. Your care and compassion for the topic comes through in your writing. Much of this information was completely new to me, such as the Kenyan government’s burning of ivory in 2016 and President Trump’s decision to lift the ban on importing elephant heads. It’s clear that even though these issues can feel far from us on a personal level, the candidates we vote for actually have a huge impact on the issue on the global stage.
mortiz39
This article compellingly highlights the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of African security tied to elephant conservation. I was struck by how poaching intertwines with poverty and global demand for ivory. Your use of personal stories like John Kaimio’s adds depth. Consider expanding on international cooperation efforts or local sustainable alternatives for poachers.
ejuarez8
The piece’s ability to combine historical background with the contemporary effects of poaching, demonstrating how the need for ivory has endured over millennia, is among its most remarkable features. Because it outlines both achievements and continuing difficulties in wildlife conservation, the examination of how international initiatives, like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), have tried to stop poaching was very illuminating. The article might benefit from including additional viewpoints from communities affected by the ivory trade or conservationists. Incorporating interviews or first-person narratives could give the facts and policies mentioned a more sentimental component. A more complete examination of technology developments (such the monitoring of ivory’s DNA) and their application to law enforcement could also enhance the conversation, even though the historical context is comprehensive.
enorwood
This article provided a great call to action- a multifaceted approach between different nations, organizations, and even individuals, so anyone reading could find a way to take action. Kenya sent a powerful message by burning their stockpile of ivory, but I think this message could become stronger if there were programs implemented to help people get out of the ivory trade. The article mentioned that those skilled in ivory carving were encouraged to work in museums or abandon their skills. However, the article included the story of Kaimio and how money from the trade helped his family to survive. It’s a complex issue, but the impact of burning the ivory could be reinforced through additional measures that provide viable alternatives for those dependent on the trade.
adelao4
The beginning of the article is written with great detail. The description best fits the beauty of elephants, which happens to be one of my favorite animals. The ivory trade is truly disheartening. Especially, knowing the United States lifted its ban on importing ivory and elephant heads from African countries. It shows greed and the favor of those who can afford these goods. I do find hope in knowing many countries have combined their efforts together to protect present and future elephants.
Nicholas Quintero
This topic this article covers is very important which is the endangered species of the African elephant. The hook of describing how important these African elephants are to the ecosystem and their beauty, to then end the paragraph about the immediate danger from extinction they face, captures the audience’s attention. The entire flow and structure of this article is also perfect. Going from the hook into they endangerment of the species, then into why they’ve become so endangered in the first place and the significance of their tusks and poaching, to then end the Article on a more positive note about the collective efforts to prevent this practice was done extremely well.
cravagnani1
Thank you for bringing up such an important matter not only to the African continent but internationally. This is a cruel activity that should be banned forever. As you mentioned, Elephants are extremely important for the environment, and this activity endangers not only this species but a complete change in multiple ecosystems. You mentioned the story about John Kaimio and that shows how these practices, sometimes are the result of other structural violence that has never been addressed. This issue should be faced in a multilateral approach, combating both direct and structural violence.
dfoxx
Thank you for bringing light to this issue. The ivory trade is cruel and ultimately produces nothing but worthless jewelry and other accessories for fashion at the expense of innocent animals who have done nothing wrong. I am glad that nations and international organizations are putting a stop to this trade, but my only worry is that when a particular product becomes illegal, it sometimes raises its value to those who wish to still obtain it because of its rarity.
Ruben Garcia
One of the most essential elements in the ivory trade brought up by this article is that a lot of it is fueled not just by demand from foreign countries, but by the lack of realistic economic alternatives for the people engaged in poaching. The author gives the example of a Kenyan man sentenced to jail after being convicted of killing 70 elephants, for instance. This man’s family was no longer able to make ends meet after the dry climate killed the livestock they relied on to make a living before. In a sense, criminal activities such as poaching, while clearly different from things such as terrorism, rebel groups, drug trafficking, or corruption in state employment, share a common thread: They pose a darkly attractive pull for people whose economic means are minimal or non-existent. Few people are likely to pursue these kinds of work because they find them morally enticing. Instead, they pursue it out of sheer survival due to a lack of legitimate options. While countries can do their part to shut down demand by making stronger efforts to ban ivory trade and possession, these kinds of activities are unlikely to completely disappear unless locals have the ability to make an honest living through other means.
epetrova
The article covers a critical topic that deserves far greater attention. The ivory trade is an extremely cruel and inhumane activity that should be banned worldwide. Yet, unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, there are still instances when imports of ivory are justified and allowed even in developed countries.
The decision by the President of Kenya to burn ivory worth nearly $150 million conveys the importance of stopping this cruel business. It appears that it would be appropriate to maximize prison sentences for those who decide to get involved and to ensure that countries participating in this trade face economic or financial restrictions or even sanctions. While there is a variety of businesses that one can support, ivory trade is a clearly immoral activity by any standards. Hopefully, the United States and other nations will become a global leaders in the movement to outlaw ivory trade and will work to promote conservation efforts in Africa and beyond. With President Trump back in office for his second term, it will be interesting to see whether ivory trade will be on his agenda.