Elephant And Rhino Poaching On The Rise
Wildlife officials are saying that a very rare population of elephants found in Northern Mali is being targeted by poachers and their very survival is being threatened. In the last month authorities say that 19 Gourma elephants have been slaughtered for their tusks and it is estimated that the group now numbers between 350 to 500.
Poaching linked to rebel groups
In the past poaching has been linked to the region’s rebel groups which have connections to ivory smugglers. This species of elephant migrate roughly 600 kilometres every year to feed. However because the vegetation in Northern Mali is sparse, they have to travel long distances across a route that runs into Niger and Burkina Faso.
Elephants need more protections
Colonel Soumana Timbo who heads up the government of Mali’s division for nature conservation has asked for military support from MP’s to protect the species. Mr. Timbo says that the few rangers that are assigned to the region are already risking their lives.
“In the Gourma zone there is total insecurity. We have about 10 rangers covering about 1.25 million hectares, so it’s quite insufficient, If we send out two rangers on a motorbike they are risking their lives. So we really need joint patrols – military and rangers – and we need to focus all our efforts on stopping this massacre.” Mr. Timbo said.
The situation is complex
Since Mali achieved independence in 1960, the Northern part of the country has been a flashpoint of conflict, with rebels waging insurgency for independence or increased autonomy. There has been further destabilisation in the region with the emergence of jihadi groups including Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and al-Qaida which has been targeting both the rebels and the government.
South Africa thinking about legalising trade in rhino horns
South Africa has attempted to combat poaching by appointing an expert panel to examine the viability of the legal trade in rhino horns. In South Africa the level of poaching has risen to record to levels. It is estimated that 20,000 rhinos or 80% of the worldwide population live in the country. Last year there were 1,215 rhinos killed in South Africa which officials say represents an increase of 21 per cent over 2013. The expert panel is considering whether legalising the trade in rhino horns may result in a reduction in the number of animals poached.
“It is important to emphasise that South Africa has not taken a position on the issue and will not do so until the committee has completed its work and presented its findings,” the environment ministry said in a statement
