Extinction... a word echoed within the corridors of conservation but whispered within the closed doors of government. Sad to think how many wildlife had to go extinct for the world to notice. Just this week, i came across an article that mentioned the horrific poaching of over 70 elephants in the Congo. My friends and I echoed sentiments of how horrific that act was. It led me thinking however, how many of us would pause and let these words resound in our ears. Death is not something you can get used to...its cruel; it's even more cruel when it takes away more life than is being born.
This week, a conference on the African Elephant (the African Elephant Summit) was held in Botswana to discuss the rising numbers in elephant deaths as a result of poaching. The outcome of this summit showed that the African elephant could be extinct within one or two decades. If you think that's a long time...think again...it's well within your lifetime! Yes, a day will come just like it happened to all other extinct wildlife, that we will not have this magnificent animal walking tall within the savanna. Hard to imagine, right? Swallow this then...East Africa has seen the worst decline from 150,000 elephants in 2006 to about 100,000 in 2013! The trend of course is on a decline! Perhaps if the IUCN were to change the status of this animal to let's say ''Near Extinct'' (this category is not among those listed by the IUCN...i just made it up), this might help raise the alarm more clearer, right? Unfortunately, not! Things have gotten worse for the elephant, even with its status reading endangered!
Interesting to note however is that poverty was highlighted as the likely cause of poaching in Africa. Surprised? According to an elephant specialist with the IUCN, a direct correlation was made between human infant immortality; which is a measure of poverty and levels of poaching. Strange, right? Nevertheless, this cannot be far from the truth. Sure poachers are just out to get money to feed their families, but its more likely that these men and women are living within the poverty line and are lured to get quick money at a very big cost. And with the increase in poaching in these parts of the world, these men and women are only acting out of orders from highly organized international criminal gangs. Interestingly, at the summit were representatives of China, of whom have been accused of fueling this crisis. This however goes to show that one apple does not spoil the entire barrel...the Republic is determined to reduce this offense in its backyard. In fact, demand reduction programmes have began in this country.
Still, there is much work to be done to curb this problem. This summit could not have come at a better time. It's main objective being to secure commitments at the highest political level to significantly reduce elephant killings is crucial. Leaders such as President Obama who have stepped up their administrations to work towards combating this illegal trade and protecting elephants are making this dream possible. Thus, if more governments and conservation bodies were to partner in this context, there would definitely be a difference in the world of elephants. Elephants are facing extinction much closer than we think and the power to stop it is in our hands. Will you let these words resound in your ears now? Will you help do something...anything to stop this cruel illegal trade? Elephants need us, will you step up before they cross over to the dark side?
Interesting to know that poverty and poaching have a direct correlation.This shows just how much people are desperate to get income if they are willing to get involved in such risky jobs!
ReplyDeleteThe back stops with our governments! I wish they could take this as a major cause of alarm! Otherwise, elephants will be the next 'dinasours'