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. ↵
104 comments
Jasmine Rocha
What I received from this article was the instability of us as humans to keep other species alive due to either greed or sometimes a necessity. The article highlighted that some people joined the illegal ivory business to keep their families alive but it, not completely their fault because its the instability of governments created by other humans that make the ivory business being illegal but sometimes the best option for some people.
Kaitlyn Killebrew
This may sound heartless to some, but poaching to help your family is not a good enough reason. Poaching of any kind is wrong, but especially elephants. Elephants are family animals. They care for their young, bury their dead and come to visit the graves of the elephants that have passed. Videos of people taunting elephants and then getting crushed get whats coming to them. You don’t jump in a river with an alligator, or charge after a lion. To take an elephants tusk and use it for trade is wrong but some go as far as killing them, making it even more so. I can’t think of a single good that comes from America lifting the ban but if anyone has any insight I will be happy to listen.
Yadira Chavez
The insatiable need for poachers to take advantage of the beautiful elephant is quite disgusting. However, the article brings to light how for some, this business is the only way to survive. Despite the efforts of numerous organizations to stop the decline of elephants, I think that the governments need to step in for it’s citizens too. Very informative, i would like to keep up with this topic in the future.
Lynsey Mott
At first my stomach was sick reading this. I don’t understand why ivory is so important to people, other than the fact that it is limited. Then as I kept reading it is so satisfying that many countries are banning ivory trade under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). I was not surprised to read that president Trump lifted the ban in the US. Only because he seems to be doing the opposite of what a lot of other people are doing. But on the bright side, the countries and organizations that are trying to keep poachers from killing these beautiful creatures and not selling ivory.
Crystal Baeza
It’s extremely sad to see a population of great animals decrease drastically throughout the years because of human acts. It’s our right to protect these animals as much as we can to keep our planet going full circle instead of killing them. I’m glad many organizations and governments agree these acts have to stop immediately but such shame there are those few still out there who oppose. I’ve always been against animal cruelty in using them for testing, clothing, and makeup and think its injustice. How would one feel if they were being killed for use of product testing or clothing purposes? I’m hopeful these situations can overcome their obstacles and save these beautiful animals as well as many others fighting for their lives.
Mariana Gonzalez
This has to be one of my favorite articles because it is very informative, it does extremely well in depicting the awful truth about how ivory is obtained and it makes you reflect on how ungrateful and selfish we can be as humans, we just think about ways to make a lot of money even if it means to kill such beautiful animals. I really wish I would understand what ivory sellers think when they know that in order to get that ivory an elephant was killed; do they feel any sense of remorse? It really just infuriates me. This article gave me a bit of peace when I read that some countries around the world are standing up to the cause and doing things such as banning ivory trade, how the Kenyan government burned down so much ivory despite how poor their country is and how they could’ve used that ivory to uplift their economy, and that people are creating organizations such as “Global Sanctuary for Elephants”. But it is extremely important that one really raises awareness, and that we teach our society on how we can create a difference and protect these elephants that unfortunately are incapable of protecting themselves.
Noah Bolhuis
It is great to see these efforts being done and law put into place to do everything possible to end this evil trade. It was very touching reading about the effort of the Kenyan government to try to end this trade. It is obvious why poachers are doing this, and it is even more apparent that the western world and China are largely at fault for this rising trade. The laws that were implemented by these countries trying to ban ivory is a step in the right direction. We need to do everything possible to help those that need help ending this fight, especially Kenya, as they have shown through the burning that they are all in to end this trade.
Cynthia Rodriguez
This article broke my heart. It is so sad to read that the population of African elephants has decreased drastically. As you pointed out in your introduction, they play a very important role in their ecosystem, just like every living thing does. I cannot believe that the ivory trade is still going on. I understand that ivory is worth a lot and that there are families in poverty who could use the money, but there are other ways to make a living. I have tremendous respect for President Kenyatta. He acknowledges that the ivory his country has is worth 150 million dollars, but he is willing to burn the ivory and lose that money to show that poaching is immoral. Thank you for writing over this topic and spreading awareness. It was a great article. It was easy to read and very informative. I hope that more people address this issue and help to preserve the lives of such beautiful creatures.
Hailey Rodriguez
It is great that elephants are getting more of a chance at life! I have always loved elephants for their cuteness and their seemingly playful personalities. However, I was shocked to hear that President Trump lifted the ban for exporting elephant heads to the USA. I am extremely saddened by this and I hope he or the next President will set the ban again. This article was both educational and interesting. It is good news to hear that more and more countries are beginning to put an end to elephant poaching.
Kacey Diaz
It’s very sad to read and hear about what people will do to elephants just for their ivory. I understand that people want and need to support their families but there are much better ways of doing it. In this article we read about the different types of organizations that help and protect elephants but I’m not really sure if there are any organizations that give the hunters the opportunity to stop hunting the elephants and get a job provided by an organization (if any) and still be able to provide for their family?