Elephants are majestic creatures that have roamed this planet for millions of years. At one point in time, there would have been more of them. Now, they face threats that are slowly leading them to extinction. The main perpetrator being the Ivory trade- the love of elephant tusks.
I don’t just love elephants; I have a self-proclaimed obsession with them. Anybody who knows me well enough, knows that I am a huge animal lover. But there is just something about elephants that I love. Despite being incredibly cute, they are extremely loyal and intelligent. To think of all the crazy things happening in our world today, I have always found it warming to know that there are such creatures out there existing alongside us.
It’s a feeling some may not understand. There is so much variety out there in the world, who wouldn’t love it? Sadly, many of these animal’s face problems that we humans will never understand, because we’re the ones doing it all.
The Ivory Trade- An issue not spoken about enough
The Ivory Trade is the largest cause of the decreasing elephant population. Both male and female African elephants have tusks, making them easy targets for poachers. Only some Asian male elephants have tusks. However, both species still face similar threats.
Elephants are either viciously murdered or are left to die. Many mothers are killed, often leaving behind their calf. Nobody needs elephant tusks, apart from the elephants.
Around 20,000 African elephants are killed each year for their tusks- that’s 55 deaths per day
People can do the most unimaginable things for money. WWF, an organization I admire, states that in order to stop the ivory trade, countries need to play their vital role in shutting down legal markets where it’s sold. Around 20,000 African elephants are killed each year for their tusks- that’s 55 deaths per day. If that doesn’t show you the true scale of this issue, nothing will.
Despite all of this, they are classed as ‘vulnerable’. But that should not take away people’s efforts in speaking up about this trade.
The effect on everybody and the positive effect you can have
Poaching doesn’t only affect the elephants, but it affects the local communities too. Putting everyone in danger, as these are dangerous criminals. The ivory trade damages the communities and local organizations efforts in helping with conservation. These people do vital work in order to try and help the elephant population survive.
China had recently placed a ban on the ivory trade. This proved to be a significant success in the trading of ivory. However, are laws really that effective? We have laws in our country, but that doesn’t stop people from breaking the law. The same thing will happen in countries the elephants are populated in.
It’s time for countries to invest in local support. Fund anti-poaching organizations and ones that rehabilitate elephants to be released back into the wild. These are so important.
It’s time to speak up on crises such as this. Do you love animals, but do you love them enough to sit back and say nothing? In a matter of years, the variety our planet has can all be gone. To think of a world where people are actively killing these animals is scary.
Ivory is used for many human purposes. This can include jewelry and piano keys.
“Behind every piece of ivory- whether it be a full tusk or cared trinket- is a dead elephant”
You can volunteer abroad at elephant sanctuaries or nurseries; you can sign petitions and you can educate yourself. All these are necessary in supporting elephants and gaining a deep understanding as to why we should try our best to protect them.
One quote that really spoke a million words to me was from a WWF article on ‘What is ivory and why does it belong on elephants?’. The quote is “Behind every piece of ivory-whether it be a full tusk or cared trinket-is a dead elephant.”
Similar threats facing other species
“Let’s not forget about the rhino horn market, which is just as popular as the ivory trade.”
Asian elephants are endangered. This can also include poaching. But also, deforestation due to palm oil and building roads through vital ecosystems. This all leads to conflict with humans over habitats and food, often getting the elephants killed. Leaving animals alone not only benefits them, but the people who live amongst them too. They can be taken from the wild and forced to do rides for tourists and be a source of entertainment.
Finally, let’s not forget about the rhino horn market, which is just as popular as the ivory trade. WWF reports that there has been a 9,000% increase of rhino poaching in South Africa between 2007 and 2014.
They are used in medicine in Asia, and it can supposedly cure cancer. It’s time for people to speak up and try to change traditional methods, as they are simply rumours.
I write about topics like this because I am deeply passionate about wildlife conservation, as well as environmental issues. I thrive to write informative and detailed pieces on these topics, to not only play my part in speaking up, but to encourage others to do the same.
A few Elephant facts for you
1. A herd is led by a matriarch. This is the oldest and largest female in the group.
2. Male elephants become more independent and tend to leave when they reach puberty. They either roam by themselves or they join a herd of males.
3. Asian elephants are smaller and have smaller ears than African elephants.
4. The lifespan of an African Elephant is an average of 60-70 years.
5. The lifespan of an Asian Elephant is an average of 60 years.
Robyn Lawrence
Featured image courtesy of Sam Balye via Unsplash. Image license found here. No changes were made to this image.