A fifth of elephants could be lost to poaching
New figures have revealed that if elephant poaching continues at its current pace, Africa could lose a fifth of its elephants in the next ten years.
Poaching data suggests that in 2012 alone, 15,000 elephants were killed illegally across the 27 African countries taking part in a CITES programme called Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE).
Revealing the new figures, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) says that according to MIKE analysis, the total number of elephants poached across the country as a whole is estimated at 22,000.
Secretary-general for CITES, John Scanlon, says the situation is "critical", fearing we could soon see local extinctions if poaching continues at the same rate.
He said: "The situation is particularly acute in Central Africa—where the estimated poaching rate is twice the continental average."
The latest figures were revealed as representatives for African elephant range, transit and destination countries gather in Botwana for a summit organised by IUCN and the government of Botswana.
It is hoped strong commitments will be made by delegates to take action to stop the illegal ivory trade, bolstering national laws tackling wildlife crime and improving co-operation between countries.
Dr Holly Dublin, chair of the IUCN/SSC African Elephant Specialist Group, said: "We are very pleased to be able to present updated information to the African Elephant Summit.
"The picture painted by this new information should provide motivation for all delegates at the Summit to come together to agree on much-needed urgent action on behalf of Africa’s elephants."
