In the year 1800, the African elephant population was numbered at about 26 million. Just 200 years later, by bullets and cyanide-poisoned watering holes, the population has been diminished to less than one million. Concerning the human population, we love our ivory. Ivory makes the perfect jewelry, piano keys, cosmetic tools, figurines and pool balls, among so many other goods. What is one more life when we can get $375,000 out of these two tusks?
Fortunately, the world-wide ivory trade was banned in 1989 when the African elephant population was estimated at 600,000. However, the ban only lasted 10 years when in 1999, and again in 2008, two special sales of stockpiled ivory were permitted, reinstating a legal trade in tusks. The demand for ivory, especially in China and Japan, rebounded, sending poaching rates to a never-before-seen high.
This devastating demand for ivory, which perpetuates the ivory trade, results in part from the extreme lack of consumer awareness. A survey in China concluded that over two thirds of consumers did not realize that elephants must be killed for their tusks, which are a part of their skulls. To remove tusks, the head of an elephant must be either wholly or partially decapitated. Their faces can be either skinned or completely removed. Many consumers also do not understand that selling ivory is illegal so as a result the weight of their purchase at a common store never crosses their minds.
To prevent yourself from participating in the consumption of illegal business and encouraging poaching, check the manufacturing details of a potentially ivory good before you purchase it. Many of us, including myself, have probably fallen victim to the scheme since the United States is the second largest ivory market next to China.
Despite our nation’s heavy involvement in the ivory trade, our government is taking measures to remove ourselves from the industry. Officials have destroyed six tons of contraband ivory and regulations have been established to ban various ivory sales and imports. China is following suit by destroying their massive stockpiles. Chinese environmentalists have also taken the initiative to educate consumers. However, CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) continues to refuse another global ban on the trade because ivory is a luxurious provider of wealth for member nations.
Ultimately, the value of wealth should not be more than the value of African elephant lives and their crumbling social construct. The network of Elephant relationships is delicate and complex, much like that of humans. Their impressive long-term memories in addition to their emotional and intellectual natures forge a species that is largely affected by loss of family members and other traumas. For example, elephant families and communities are led by Matriarchs. If this alpha female is murdered, not only will her children (who keep close bonds with their mothers) be motherless, but the community will have no guidance.
35,000 African elephants were killed for their tusks this year, and 96 were killed today. Needless to say, elephants are not the only animal being poached. Lions, tigers, turtles, rhinos and many others are victims of humanity’s viscous greed. Awareness is picking up momentum with the designation of World Elephant Day on August 12th, as well as the 96 campaign launched by the Wildlife Conservation Society.
That said, spreading awareness is an important task that you can take part in. You have the power to communicate through writing, art, interaction with decision makers, petitions and videos. Conduct personal research so you do not accidentally buy or sell ivory. Do not attend circuses that hold animals in captivity. Support efforts that work to improve zoo life for animals.
The value of any living thing cannot possibly be quantified. Humans are no more important than any other living creature. Humans do have a certain dominion over animals, and that includes our responsibility to respect and protect them. It is not our right to destroy the wildlife of our earth for material gain.
