Protecting Africa's elephants: a historical commitment
Article Abstract:
The New York Zoological Society's international program, The Wildlife Conservation Society, has a commitment from the 1950s to help conserve the African elephant. The Society has a three-pronged strategy including direct conservation, exploratory surveys and detailed studies of the ecological role of the elephant in the forest and savannah. Some countries in south Africa claim that a liberalized ivory trade helps the local economies without harming elephant populations, but it is too early to tell. The worldwide trade ban on ivory has effectively halted poaching and is helping herds to recover.
Publication Name: Wildlife Conservation
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 1048-4949
Year: 1993
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The elephant wars
Article Abstract:
Poaching of elephants for ivory in Africa is estimated to have halved their numbers in the decade following 1979, but their numbers have rebounded since 1989. The ivory trade has been essentially broken as a result of a world-wide ban on the trade and zealous enforcement of anti-poaching laws by African officials. However, serious ecological problems remain for the elephant. Poaching resulted in elephant migration and overcrowding and a resultant strain on resources. Problems that arise when elephant and human populations compete in the same habitat are often solved by killing the elephants.
Publication Name: Wildlife Conservation
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 1048-4949
Year: 1993
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The balance of nature
Article Abstract:
Elephants occupy a complex role in the ecology of Africa. A balance of climate and vegetation, human and elephant behavior in the context of other animal species accounts for the evolution of African ecology over time. Severe poaching accounted for elephant migration to protected national forests leading to the destruction of the habitat of some species and, in some places, their extinction. The absence of the elephants from their traditional grounds may also result in habitat loss and species extinction. Though elephant population control may be unpopular, it may be necessary in some areas.
Publication Name: Wildlife Conservation
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 1048-4949
Year: 1993
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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