13th December 2013

Elephant poaching remains alarmingly high despite modest decline

Although the number of African elephants killed for their tusks declined slightly last year after worldwide recognition of this wildlife crime epidemic, the rates remain unacceptably high, conservation group WWF says. Data released by the UN shows that an estimated 22,000 elephants were slaughtered by poachers across Africa during 2012, down from the previous year's record of at least 25,000.

Central Africa remains the hardest hit with poaching rates twice as high as the continental average, according to analysis conducted on behalf of the 179 members of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. The region has lost nearly two-thirds of its elephant population over the past decade, leaving little time left to reverse its decline.

"High level commitments to action against poaching and smuggling are beginning to have an impact, but Central Africa's endangered forest elephants remain in peril," said Lamine Sebogo, WWF's African Elephant Programme Manager.

The number of large ivory seizures increased last year – signalling better detection, but also indicating a continued involvement by organised criminal groups. Projections for 2013 are even graver; already this year over 40 tonnes of tusks have been confiscated while in transit.

Analysts from TRAFFIC, a joint programme of WWF and IUCN, have also found that smuggling routes are shifting as enforcement is bolstered in some locations. Although global shipping patterns are changing to exploit weaker systems, China remains the top destination for illegal ivory, TRAFFIC found.

"Wildlife crime is a serious global security issue and participation by all countries is required to stop it. Improvements are needed in regulation, enforcement, transparency, resourcing and transnational collaboration," Sebogo said.

Governments met last week at back-to-back summits in Botswana and Paris to agree emergency activities to protect elephants from poaching and trafficking, and to discuss the peace and security implications of this transnational crime. WWF has urged nations to adopt the Marrakech Declaration – a ten point action plan to combat illicit wildlife trafficking launched by the African Development Bank and WWF in May.

Next February, the UK government will host a global summit on illegal trade in wildlife. David Cameron will attend the summit in London, along with heads of government and other high level representatives from as many as 50 nations. Countries invited include those where poaching is threatening the survival of wildlife, and the biggest markets for illegal wildlife products, including Vietnam and China. WWF hopes the participants will agree to strong action to tackle this destructive trade, and implement those measures afterwards.

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