Many reasons exist for the continued poaching in Africa, including lack of sufficient enforcement officers, corruption among the enforcement community, real danger from armed poachers, and a well-organized and well-funded criminal network behind the poachers. The vast majority of smuggled ivory—experts say as much as 70 percent—ends up in China, where a newly wealthy middle class fuels the demand for luxury ivory products.
Although seizures of illegally obtained ivory take place, much of the smuggled ivory still gets through. Less than 1 percent of the shipping containers unloaded in the Port of Hong Kong are inspected for smuggled ivory. Ivory traders who do get caught are seldom arrested and, if they are, they face feeble penalties.
The market for smuggled ivory is too lucrative for poachers to resist, and our research suggests demand for ivory in China is only going to rise. Factors include, but are not limited to, the growing demand for ivory in China; the limited supply of legally obtained ivory; limited inspections of shipping containers; shortage of law enforcement agents; corruption within the systems involved in enforcement of the ban on ivory sales, the arrests and convictions of poachers and smugglers , and the incentives for the criminal networks involved in poaching and smuggling.
Who are the various stakeholders—people affected by actions taken—in the issues of the illegal ivory trade, and how do they interact to make the problem worse or better? Stakeholders include the poachers, smugglers, law enforcement community, conservationists, producers and purchasers of ivory products in China. In one way or another these stakeholders participate in the supply chain of illegally obtained ivory—and the decline of the African elephant population.
The principle of supply and demand brings the stakeholders into contact in some way throughout the process, and decisions made by each stakeholder impact the interests of the others.
A change in any link in the chain—a decision or action that breaks or strengthens the chain—filters down to impact the end product. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora international agreement whose aim is "to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
Some animals, such as birds, reptiles, and primates, are captured live so that they can be kept or sold as exotic pets. Slaughtered animals, on the other hand, have commercial value as food, jewelry, decor, or traditional medicine. The ivory tusks of African elephants , for example, are carved into trinkets or display pieces.
The scales of pangolins , small animals that eat ants, are ground into powder and consumed for their purported healing powers. The meat of apes, snakes, and other bush animals is considered a delicacy in parts of Africa. In addition to killing for direct profit, poachers target animals to prevent them from destroying crops or attacking livestock. This happens to lions and elephants in Africa , as well as to wolves, coyotes, and other predators in North America and beyond.
Poaching has devastating consequences for wildlife. This is the case with the African elephant, more than , of which were killed between and for ivory. Poaching has also had a catastrophic impact on rhinos, with more than a thousand slaughtered a year for their horns. Most wild animals eat specialized diets found in nature, and they need space to fly, roam, and swing from branches.
Captured animals are stuffed into boxes, suitcases, or sacks, and even if they survive transport, they often suffer in their new, unnatural situations. In Africa, nearly rangers charged with protecting wildlife were gunned down by poachers between and while in the line of duty.
In addition to providing on-the-ground protection for animals, many countries make poaching an offense punishable by prison or monetary fees. Tanzania claims rise in endangered rhinos and elephants. Rhinos travel 6,km to Africa in largest transportation of its kind. China makes u-turn on legalising the sale of rhino and tiger parts. Home News. Video shows suspected deer poachers caught by heat-detecting drone. Provide Livelihood Alternatives: We work to provide alternative means of livelihood to local communities so wildlife is not harmed in order to sustain the local economy.
The African Wildlife Foundation is a c 3 nonprofit organization. For tax purposes, our EIN is: We believe that protecting Africa's wildlife and wild landscapes is the key to the future prosperity of Africa and its people — and for over 50 years, we have made it our work to help ensure that Africa's wild resources endure.
Africa is home to the world's most iconic wildlife.
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