Hola,
Did you know?
Elephants cry, play, have
incredible memories, and laugh!
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| Distribution map of the African elephant: Source, Wikipedia.org |
From the media we have seen reports of
mass killings of the African elephant throughout its distribution range. In
January this year, Kenya and the World got the shocking news that an entire
family of 12 elephants had been killed by poachers in Tsavo East National Park,
a protected park believed to be a safe haven for this and other species.
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| The lifeless body of an African elephant killed by poachers |
This
illegal activity has greatly affected the population levels of the African
elephant. Rangers have lost their lives in the line of duty as they try to protect this species.
The demand for ivory has been brought about
the rapid change in economic development especially in China, Thailand, Vietnam
and Malaysia currently known to hold the largest ivory markets.
It sad to mention that Kenya is a major
source and a trafficking route for poached ivory together with Tanzania, Uganda
and South Africa.
Due to poverty, local people
are forced to join organized criminal syndicates involved in the trade even
with all the regulations.
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| Jewellery carved out of ivory |
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Regardless of it illegality, consumers
are willing to pay high prices for ivory hence sustaining the trade. As a
symbol of the luxurious status, pieces made out of ivory have and continue to
be made and sold in many parts of the world today.
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| Jewellery carved out of ivory |
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| Jewellery carved out of ivory |
It is important to educate people and
make them understand why there is need to conserve and protect the elephant along
with other wildlife species. People need to know:
- the habitat requirements,
- current population of elephants
- threats affecting the elephant species
- the role of the elephant in the ecosystem
- how people and elephants can coexist
- the importance of this species to the tourism industry
- where one can visit and see the elephant.
I believe there is hope and all citizens
should play their role in the protection of the elephant.
Here is how you can
get involved:
My good friend Jim Justus Nyamu has started the
initiative "Ivory Belongs to Elephants Walk Campaign" to create
awareness on the need for Kenyans to be concerned and actively participate to
bring an end to elephant poaching.
Please visit Jim Justus Nyamu's Facebook page and find out more on
the campaign and how you can support him by 'buying' a kilometer.
Dr. Paula Kahumbu, a conservationist/ecologist is at the forefront advocating for the amendment of the Kenya Wildlife Act especially on penalties in-relation to wildlife crime.
Ivory trade should be BANNED
PERMANENTLY and anyone caught in the trade should face life in prison.
Interesting facts about elephants
- Elephant trunks can get very heavy. It is not uncommon to see elephants resting them over a tusk!
- Elephants are sensitive animals where if a calf complains, the entire family will rumble and go over to touch and caress it.
- Elephants have greeting ceremonies when a friend that has been away for some time returns to the group.
- Elephants grieve at a loss of a stillborn baby, a family member, and in many cases other elephants.
- Elephants don't drink with their trunks, but use them as "tools" to drink with. This is accomplished by filling the trunk with water and then using it as a hose to pour it into the elephant's mouth - source.
Please note: I don't own any of
the pictures unless stated otherwise. If you see a picture here and you want
credit, email me on iamwamuyu@gmail.com
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