More elephant tusks were seized in 2011 than in any year since 1989, when the ivory trade was banned, international wildlife trade group Traffic says.
The group said elephants have had a "horrible year", with 23 tonnes of ivory seized - representing at least 2,500 dead animals.
Trade in ivory was banned in 1989 to save elephants from extinction.
But it has continued illegally because of huge demand in Asia, where it is used to make decorative objects.
"The escalating large ivory quantities involved in 2011 reflect both a rising demand in Asia and the increasing sophistication of the criminal gangs behind the trafficking," said a statement from Traffic, which monitors the trade in wildlife products.
"Most illegal shipments of African elephant ivory end up in either China or Thailand."
Shifting smuggling routes
The group said there had been at least 13 large seizures of ivory this year, amounting to more than 23 tonnes, compared to six last year of less than 10 tonnes.
"In 23 years of compiling ivory seizure data... this is the worst year ever for large ivory seizures. 2011 has truly been a horrible year for elephants," Traffic's elephant expert Tom Milliken said.
Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-16353204
Showing posts with label elephant poaching. Show all posts
Showing posts with label elephant poaching. Show all posts
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Wild cattle and tigers in Cambodia
World’s largest banteng population at risk in Cambodia from hunting and rapid habitat loss September 2011. Research conducted by WWF and the Cambodian government in the Eastern Plains of Cambodia in the northeast of the country estimates the population of banteng between 2,700-5,700 individuals. This is the world’s largest population of banteng given the estimated global population is approximately 5,900-11,000. Populations in other sites in Thailand and Indonesia number just a few hundred.
90% decrease since 1960s
Considered to be one of the most beautiful and graceful of all wild cattle species, the banteng (Bos javanicus) is most probably the ancestor of Southeast Asia’s domestic cattle. According to the IUCN, banteng populations in Cambodia have decreased by more than 90% since the late 1960’s. Since 1996, banteng has been listed by IUCN as globally endangered because of this rapid and dramatic decline.
90% decrease since 1960s
Considered to be one of the most beautiful and graceful of all wild cattle species, the banteng (Bos javanicus) is most probably the ancestor of Southeast Asia’s domestic cattle. According to the IUCN, banteng populations in Cambodia have decreased by more than 90% since the late 1960’s. Since 1996, banteng has been listed by IUCN as globally endangered because of this rapid and dramatic decline.
“The current findings provide strong evidence of the global significance of the Eastern Plains of Cambodia for the conservation of the species,” said Mr Phan Channa, Ministry of Environment counterpart with WWF’s research programme and one of the authors of the recent survey report.
Tiger prey boost
Besides banteng, the research confirms increased numbers of other large mammals including wild pig and muntjac in the area. They are all very important prey animals for tiger, which have also suffered a massive decline across Cambodia and the rest of Asia in the last few decades.
Tiger prey boost
Besides banteng, the research confirms increased numbers of other large mammals including wild pig and muntjac in the area. They are all very important prey animals for tiger, which have also suffered a massive decline across Cambodia and the rest of Asia in the last few decades.
Another author of the report, Dr Thomas Gray, Biodiversity Research Advisor with WWF-Cambodia, explained that a very important aspect of the research was to understand the current levels of tiger prey species such as banteng, wild pig, and muntjac as part of the government’s strategy to restore the Eastern Plains as the priority tiger landscape in Cambodia.
Some good news
For the tiger population to recover, one of the most important things needed is a sustainable source of prey, such as banteng. The Eastern Plains of Cambodia has been identified as perhaps one of the best places in Asia for such a recovery given the condition and large size of the habitat, and investments in recent years into better law enforcement and management of protected areas appear to be paying dividends.
“The high levels of law enforcement effort by nearly 60 rangers patrolling regularly inside and outside protected areas is a big deterrent for poachers,” said Ms Michelle Owen, Conservation Programme Manager with WWF-Cambodia. “However much more effort is needed in order to eradicate poaching in this critically important landscape,” she continued.
Forestry threat
Poaching is not the only threat however. In recent years, the forests in the Eastern Plains, and across the rest of the country, have become increasingly at risk from large-scale land concessions. Pressure from national and international investors for agricultural concessions, as well as plans for large infrastructure projects threatens the global importance of the Eastern Plains.
According to Mr Nick Cox, WWF’s Species Conservation Manager, granting economic land concessions inside protected areas even if the concessions are small, sets a very dangerous precedent, and is undermining the work that the Cambodian government and its conservation partners have collaborated to achieve in the last decade.
“It essentially means Cambodia’s protected areas, including those that contain globally important species populations, are not as protected by the law as people once thought,” he explained.
WWF is urging the Cambodian Government to fast track the process of developing and implementing zoning plans for protected areas in order to protect areas of high biodiversity values prior to any new decisions on land concessions.
“For tigers and prey species – including a globally endangered banteng population – to recover within the landscape, stronger protected area management and a commitment to conservation from high levels of the Cambodian government are essential,” Mr Cox said. “Anything less threatens to unravel a decade of conservation progress and with each passing day diminishes the Eastern Plains’ value as a national and global ecological asset for current and future generations.”
Some good news
For the tiger population to recover, one of the most important things needed is a sustainable source of prey, such as banteng. The Eastern Plains of Cambodia has been identified as perhaps one of the best places in Asia for such a recovery given the condition and large size of the habitat, and investments in recent years into better law enforcement and management of protected areas appear to be paying dividends.
“The high levels of law enforcement effort by nearly 60 rangers patrolling regularly inside and outside protected areas is a big deterrent for poachers,” said Ms Michelle Owen, Conservation Programme Manager with WWF-Cambodia. “However much more effort is needed in order to eradicate poaching in this critically important landscape,” she continued.
Forestry threat
Poaching is not the only threat however. In recent years, the forests in the Eastern Plains, and across the rest of the country, have become increasingly at risk from large-scale land concessions. Pressure from national and international investors for agricultural concessions, as well as plans for large infrastructure projects threatens the global importance of the Eastern Plains.
According to Mr Nick Cox, WWF’s Species Conservation Manager, granting economic land concessions inside protected areas even if the concessions are small, sets a very dangerous precedent, and is undermining the work that the Cambodian government and its conservation partners have collaborated to achieve in the last decade.
“It essentially means Cambodia’s protected areas, including those that contain globally important species populations, are not as protected by the law as people once thought,” he explained.
WWF is urging the Cambodian Government to fast track the process of developing and implementing zoning plans for protected areas in order to protect areas of high biodiversity values prior to any new decisions on land concessions.
“For tigers and prey species – including a globally endangered banteng population – to recover within the landscape, stronger protected area management and a commitment to conservation from high levels of the Cambodian government are essential,” Mr Cox said. “Anything less threatens to unravel a decade of conservation progress and with each passing day diminishes the Eastern Plains’ value as a national and global ecological asset for current and future generations.”
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Kruger rhino massacre continues
Rhino poaching surge continues in 2011
June 2011. Nearly 200 rhinos have been killed in South Africa during the first half the year, according to statistics from the national parks department. The rate of poaching, if not curbed, could exceed 2010 levels when a record 333 rhinos were killed in the country.
193 rhinos killed in 2011 so far - 126 in the Kruger alone
South Africa has lost at least 193 rhinos during the first six months of 2011 with Kruger National Park continuing to be hardest hit. The world famous safari destination has already lost 126 rhinos to poaching this year in addition to 146 killed there in 2010.
"Poaching is being undertaken almost without exception by sophisticated criminals, sometimes hunting from helicopters and using automatic weapons," says Dr. Joseph Okori, WWF's African Rhino Programme Coordinator. "South Africa is fighting a war against organized crime that risks reversing the outstanding conservation gains it made over the past century."
South Africa is home to the largest populations of African rhinos, including white rhinos and critically endangered black rhinos.
Arrests and convictions
In response to the recent poaching crisis, law enforcement measures have been increased resulting in 123 arrests and six successful convictions so far in 2011. Last year South African authorities arrested a total of 165 suspected poachers and convicted four. Judicial proceedings are ongoing for many of the suspects.
"We are pleased to see more successful convictions of poachers," said Dr. Morné du Plessis, CEO of WWF South Africa. "Applying strict penalties for wildlife crimes such as rhino poaching will demonstrate the South African government's commitment to maintaining this important part of the country's heritage."
Swaziland
In June, neighbouring Swaziland lost its first rhino to poaching in nearly 20 years sparking fears that the crime wave could be spreading. Authorities in Swaziland arrested three suspects within days of the killing, but have since released them on bail.
WWF opposes the granting of bail to poaching suspects due to the gravity of their crimes and their high flight risk. Suspects at large continue to pose a threat to rhinos and can cause delays to judicial proceedings.
"We cannot allow poaching to proliferate across rhino range countries," Dr. Okori says. "Swift prosecutions of wildlife crimes and strict sentences for perpetrators will serve as a deterrent to potential criminals. Poachers should be shown no leniency."
‘Traditional medicine'
Rhino poaching is being fuelled by demand for horns in Asia, where they are highly valued for traditional medicine, although rhino horn has no scientifically proven healing properties.
"The poaching surge shows no sign of abating," says Tom Milliken, Elephant & Rhino Programme Coordinator with TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring group. "Only a concerted international enforcement pincer movement, at both ends of the supply and demand chain, can hope to nip this rhino poaching crisis in the bud."
WWF and TRAFFIC provide technical assistance to wildlife management authorities and support greater inter-agency law enforcement cooperation. In May WWF financed the purchase of an ultralight aircraft for rangers patrolling against poachers in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province.
TRAFFIC is a joint programme of WWF and IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/kruger-rhino011.html#cr
June 2011. Nearly 200 rhinos have been killed in South Africa during the first half the year, according to statistics from the national parks department. The rate of poaching, if not curbed, could exceed 2010 levels when a record 333 rhinos were killed in the country.
Despite the army deploying, Rhino poaching is getting worse.Images courtesy of Pro Track Anti-Poaching Unit, South Africa .
193 rhinos killed in 2011 so far - 126 in the Kruger alone
South Africa has lost at least 193 rhinos during the first six months of 2011 with Kruger National Park continuing to be hardest hit. The world famous safari destination has already lost 126 rhinos to poaching this year in addition to 146 killed there in 2010.
"Poaching is being undertaken almost without exception by sophisticated criminals, sometimes hunting from helicopters and using automatic weapons," says Dr. Joseph Okori, WWF's African Rhino Programme Coordinator. "South Africa is fighting a war against organized crime that risks reversing the outstanding conservation gains it made over the past century."
South Africa is home to the largest populations of African rhinos, including white rhinos and critically endangered black rhinos.
Arrests and convictions
In response to the recent poaching crisis, law enforcement measures have been increased resulting in 123 arrests and six successful convictions so far in 2011. Last year South African authorities arrested a total of 165 suspected poachers and convicted four. Judicial proceedings are ongoing for many of the suspects.
"We are pleased to see more successful convictions of poachers," said Dr. Morné du Plessis, CEO of WWF South Africa. "Applying strict penalties for wildlife crimes such as rhino poaching will demonstrate the South African government's commitment to maintaining this important part of the country's heritage."
Swaziland
In June, neighbouring Swaziland lost its first rhino to poaching in nearly 20 years sparking fears that the crime wave could be spreading. Authorities in Swaziland arrested three suspects within days of the killing, but have since released them on bail.
WWF opposes the granting of bail to poaching suspects due to the gravity of their crimes and their high flight risk. Suspects at large continue to pose a threat to rhinos and can cause delays to judicial proceedings.
"We cannot allow poaching to proliferate across rhino range countries," Dr. Okori says. "Swift prosecutions of wildlife crimes and strict sentences for perpetrators will serve as a deterrent to potential criminals. Poachers should be shown no leniency."
‘Traditional medicine'
Rhino poaching is being fuelled by demand for horns in Asia, where they are highly valued for traditional medicine, although rhino horn has no scientifically proven healing properties.
"The poaching surge shows no sign of abating," says Tom Milliken, Elephant & Rhino Programme Coordinator with TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring group. "Only a concerted international enforcement pincer movement, at both ends of the supply and demand chain, can hope to nip this rhino poaching crisis in the bud."
WWF and TRAFFIC provide technical assistance to wildlife management authorities and support greater inter-agency law enforcement cooperation. In May WWF financed the purchase of an ultralight aircraft for rangers patrolling against poachers in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province.
TRAFFIC is a joint programme of WWF and IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/kruger-rhino011.html#cr
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Three suspected poachers killed in Kenya
Elephant poaching in Kenya
November 2010. Three suspected poachers have been shot dead in Kenya in two separate incidents after the killing of five elephants, the Kenyan Wildlife Service (KWS) has revealed. Kenya Wildlife Service rangers shot two poachers and arrested another in the southeast of Kenya, as well as recovering two assault rifles and seven elephant tusks.
Meru National Park
KWS rangers in Meru National Park shot dead one poacher. "The suspects had shot dead an elephant and were hacking off the tusks with axes when the KWS rangers ambushed them," KWS said. "A major operation is underway to arrest other suspects who escaped. They are believed to have sustained gunshot injuries."
One ranger was wounded in the firefight and is now recovering in hospital.
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/kenya-poachers018.html
November 2010. Three suspected poachers have been shot dead in Kenya in two separate incidents after the killing of five elephants, the Kenyan Wildlife Service (KWS) has revealed. Kenya Wildlife Service rangers shot two poachers and arrested another in the southeast of Kenya, as well as recovering two assault rifles and seven elephant tusks.
Meru National Park
KWS rangers in Meru National Park shot dead one poacher. "The suspects had shot dead an elephant and were hacking off the tusks with axes when the KWS rangers ambushed them," KWS said. "A major operation is underway to arrest other suspects who escaped. They are believed to have sustained gunshot injuries."
One ranger was wounded in the firefight and is now recovering in hospital.
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/kenya-poachers018.html
Three suspected poachers killed in Kenya
Elephant poaching in Kenya
November 2010. Three suspected poachers have been shot dead in Kenya in two separate incidents after the killing of five elephants, the Kenyan Wildlife Service (KWS) has revealed. Kenya Wildlife Service rangers shot two poachers and arrested another in the southeast of Kenya, as well as recovering two assault rifles and seven elephant tusks.
Meru National Park
KWS rangers in Meru National Park shot dead one poacher. "The suspects had shot dead an elephant and were hacking off the tusks with axes when the KWS rangers ambushed them," KWS said. "A major operation is underway to arrest other suspects who escaped. They are believed to have sustained gunshot injuries."
One ranger was wounded in the firefight and is now recovering in hospital.
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/kenya-poachers018.html
November 2010. Three suspected poachers have been shot dead in Kenya in two separate incidents after the killing of five elephants, the Kenyan Wildlife Service (KWS) has revealed. Kenya Wildlife Service rangers shot two poachers and arrested another in the southeast of Kenya, as well as recovering two assault rifles and seven elephant tusks.
Meru National Park
KWS rangers in Meru National Park shot dead one poacher. "The suspects had shot dead an elephant and were hacking off the tusks with axes when the KWS rangers ambushed them," KWS said. "A major operation is underway to arrest other suspects who escaped. They are believed to have sustained gunshot injuries."
One ranger was wounded in the firefight and is now recovering in hospital.
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/kenya-poachers018.html
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