· Poaching in Africa is a huge concern. If the current rate takes place, elephants will be extinct within the next 10 years.
· As human populations increase, forest-cover decreases which lead to elephants to be in close proximity with humans. African elephants’ habitats have decline as a result of the land being converted for development, agriculture, and settlements, thus habitat loss has occurred as there are space limitations. Habitat fragmentation makes it nearly impossible to breed and also elephants are easily spotted and traps are set by poachers.
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| An example of habitat loss. Source: WWF. |
· A decline in elephant numbers are particular of concern in in central Africa and parts of East Africa and there about 500,000 elephants left on the continent.
· Elephants are a huge target as there is an ever-increasing demand for ivory in China.
· Abuse and exploitation also unfortunately occur.
What you can do to protect elephants
Take part in conservation efforts, and be Herd! Encourage other people to also get involve in order to conserve this important species. Educate yourself and become knowledgeable about animals and their habitats. Here is how you can also help elephants as an individual: http://worldelephantday.org/how-to-help-elephants
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| Source: World Elephant Day (http://worldelephantday.org/) |
