the dark truth
Elephants are in danger. They are facing the risk of extinction. This is largely due to the massive ivory trade, which dates as far back as the 14th century. In the early 1900's the trade faced a lull in sales due to economic depressions and world wars. However, along with increasing prosperity, the trade saw a resurgence in the 1970's. In 1979, the African elephant population in 37 range states was estimated to be around 1.3 million. Ten years later, the population had dropped to 600,000. It was clear that the ivory trade was the reason for this huge decease in population. Despite the ivory trade being banned in most countries in Africa, the poaching of elephants has increased in recent years. The Asian elephant, despite being hurt by the ivory trade, has not faced the same difficulties as African elephants and no one fought the ban on trading Asian elephant ivory that was enacted by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Elephants are being brutally slaughtered for their tusks, whose value has increased to equal that of precious metals. The demand for ivory is ever-growing in China, whose black market exploded after the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) allowed two sanctioned sales of ivory after being pressured by countries in Southern Africa. This issue is widely known of throughout the world, though the efforts that have been made to stop the killing of elephants has done little to improve the current situation. Poaching, conflict with humans, and habitat loss are the greatest threats to these animals and continue to threaten their already dwindling population.
why they matter
Elephants are a vital part of this world. They help maintain forest and savanna ecosystems and are directly tied to rich biodiversity in these areas. They directly influence forest composition and density, and can alter the broader landscape. Many seeds are not able to germinate until they pass through the digestive tract of these animals. According to the World Wildlife Fund, at least a third of tree species in central African forests rely on elephants for distributing seeds in this way. Also, with this trade comes an increase in criminal activity and violence. Not only are there localized tensions between communities and wildlife, but the countries where this illegal activity occurs are the countries that tend to be less stable, less secure, and less bound by global norms. This allows these organizations to participate in other illegal activities, such as trafficking guns, drugs, and even humans. Not only are elephants essential to some of the ecosystems in this world and to keeping their native countries stable and safe, they are amazing creatures that give scientists more insight into the intelligence of various animals and how humans have evolved with these animals. Their intelligence is quite impressive, rivaling that of dolphins and chimpanzees, and they are much more similar to humans than most would think.
what happens now?
The stunning shows of emotions and intelligence that elephants have exhibited has captivated the attention of people around the world and has put a spotlight onto the difficult trials they are facing. Now, more and more people know of the implications that the ivory trade has had on elephants. Now, these people need to act, to mobilize, to help these creatures that so desperately need it. There a thousands of conservation groups that need more supporters, more members, and more donations to increase their influence on stopping the poaching of elephants and on stopping the use of elephant tusks in the ivory trade. Any help, no matter how small, will make a difference. The current trend will be reversed, allowing elephants to once again thrive in this world.
Here are a few organizations that are trying to reverse the trend of elephant endangerment:
World Wildlife Fund - http://worldwildlife.org/species/elephant
International Elephant Foundation - http://www.elephantconservation.org/
World Elephant Day - http://worldelephantday.org/
African Wildlife Foundation - http://www.awf.org/wildlife-conservation/elephant
Save the Elephants - http://www.savetheelephants.org/home.html
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust - http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/html/elephant_conservation.html
Center for Elephant Conservation - http://www.elephantcenter.com/How_You_Can_Help.aspx
Ambesoli Trust For Elephants - http://www.elephanttrust.org/
The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee - http://www.elephants.com/
Save Elephant Foundation - http://www.saveelephant.org/
All of the above are non-profit organizations that are working for the betterment of elephants. These are only a few of the many conservation groups that are out there. You can help not just by donating to these organizations, but by just spreading the word. The more people that are knowledgeable on this issue, the better. Also, giving just a little will go a long way in helping not just elephants, but all the other creatures that we share this world with. Any donations are greatly appreciated!
Want to learn more about the fight for elephants?
Click below to watch the 'Battle for the Elephants' on PBS
Want to learn more about the ivory trade?
Click below to read 'Blood Ivory' on National Geographic
Click below to read 'Blood Ivory' on National Geographic
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