It’s alarming to read the results of the Great Elephant Census (GEC) released by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (UICN) in Hawaii on Friday (2nd September). The report highlights the plight and the future survival of the species.
It reveals that poachers are decimating the elephant population. In some areas elephant deaths were exceeding the birthrate. There is a decline of 30% in African savanna elephant populations in 15 of the 18 countries surveyed revealing that about 30,000 elephants are being killed in a year.
Just 352,271 elephant were counted in the census across the countries surveyed. Though Namibia and South Africa’s populations are still to be included – an additional 22,711 and 9000. Add the forest elephant, whose numbers could be as low as 50,000 and the total comes to the paltry figure of about 434,000.
For more information read about it here.
Nature on the Edge 
A ‘not-easy-like’, thanks for information.
👍
I had already read the report. The more publicity the better. Just another sickening example of how we humans are destroying the only planet we have.
I read it and I felt sick.
This is sickening to learn. What can we do?
It’s a bad scene as the criminal element and poaching networks have become increasingly militaristic; the park rangers lives are at just at much risk as the elephant. There are NGO’s who are worth considering for the work they are doing – a good article here if you’re interested in further reading – http://magazine.africageographic.com/weekly/issue-42/elephant-charities-the-good-the-bad-the-ugly/
Elephants Without Borders and Wild Aid stand out for the good reports on their work.
Very sad news.
I saw this article Liz and nearly posted about it. I’m happy to see you covering it. So very sad.
Ugh… I wish the demand for ivory would just stop!
The statistics are absolutely mind-numbing. Thank you for sharing Liz.
Devastating news.
I’m not brave enough to look, the idea of our planet is unbearable.
This is so terrible, Liz. Elephants are such magnificent creatures.
Very sad news indeed.
I’m glad you share your images and, more important, expertise, on significant wildlife conservation issues like this. This is very sad and unsettling. It’s gorilla warfare with no obvious solution but the international community must rise to the challenge. This is a war we can’t afford to lose. Thanks Liz.