Sadly, discussion of endangered species is nothing new. But what if that species is itself a symbol of strength and endurance?
A new landmark study provides evidence that poachers have destroyed a staggering 64 percent of Central Africa’s elephants in the last decade. Over the course of just three years, 100,000 elephants have been killed. This tragedy is driven by the continued demand for ivory, particularly in China and other parts of Asia.
Elephants are magnificent creatures in their own right, but they also serve a key role in African ecology. Their foraging clears trees and promotes development of grasslands, which are nurtured by the seeds and nutrients elephants leave behind.
The question is, will these findings prompt enactment of policies that can curb poaching? The elephants’ survival depends on it.