One of the main threats faced by the world’s elephants is the trade in elephant ivory, meat, and body parts. The illegal trade in ivory is particularly significant. It is worth hundreds of millions, and is believed to a major contributory factor in the deaths of thousands of elephants each year. It is illegal, and has been since 1989, but it is still rampant in many parts of the world. China in particular has an almost insatiable desire for ivory.
Male bull elephants are the most prized because of their large tusks. The poaching of these bulls over the years means the male population is now about half that of the female. Adult females also have ivory which the poachers want, and their deaths often leave baby elephants without a mother.
Habitat loss and human-elephant conflict are also contributory factors to the decline in elephant numbers.
What Needs Done
Urgent action is needed to halt the declining elephant population numbers. This includes:
- Slowing the loss of the elephant’s natural habitat, and increasing it where possible
- Fighting against the poachers and ivory dealers
- Working to improve human-elephant relationships in areas where there is conflict through initiatives and education
World Elephant Day helps to promote organisations working to achieve these aims, as well as raising general awareness of the risks elephants face. If we all work together to continue to raise the profile of this important day then we can help these incredible animals. Join us in spreading the word!
