In the middle of the drought in September last year, Philippine officials seized six tons of ivory in a Manila airport that was suspected to have originated in Zambia and been transported through Tanzania. In the same month, they seized 806 kilograms (1,777 pounds) of ivory on flights originating from Uganda and Kenya.
At least 40 people, or perhaps many more, have died in northern Kenya and livestock are also dying at an alarming rate amid acute food shortages that are threatening at least 11 million people across the eastern and horn of Africa regions.
The United Nations warned that many more will die if donors delay in delivery of much-needed support.
Name: African Elephant (
Loxodonta africana)
Primary Classification: Proboscidea (Elephants)
Location: Africa
Habitat: Wide range, including desert, scrub, savanna and high rainforest
Diet: Bark, fruit, grass and leaves
Size: Up to 16 ft in length, 13 ft in height, and 11 tons in weight
Description: Gray, sparsely haired skin; large ears, which aid in temperature regulation; long, forward-curving ivory tusks, used for fighting, digging and eating; long, muscular trunk with two finger-like projections at the tip.
Cool Facts: It is the largest land mammal on Earth. It takes care of weak and injured pack members and grieves over dead companions. It has a particular fascination with the tusks and bones of dead elephants.
Conservation Status: Endangered
Major Threat: Poaching
What Can I Do?: Visit
Save the Elephants, the
African Wildlife Foundation, and the
Living With Elephants Foundation for information on how you can help endangered elephants.
