WWF Concern at Dramatic Loss of Sumatran Elephants

WWF charity officials are becoming increasingly concerned at the number of Indonesian elephants that have been killed on the island of Sumatra in the last ten years. It is reported that over 120 have been either poisoned or shot in less than a decade, highlighting the fact that more needs to be done to protect these beautiful creatures from poachers.

Last year along, 29 elephants were killed on the island, with half of those in the Aceh province alone. Yet even though these areas are know hot spots for poachers, no one has been arrested or convicted of these heinous crimes against an endangered species that needs protecting.

Over 50% of the elephants have been poisoned, and their tusks removed for sale on the black market by poachers. Yet surely if this is a trouble spot, more should be done in that area to protect the local wildlife from premeditated murder?

The Sumatran Elephant is now on the critically endangered list, and unless something is doe immediately, then they could well be extinct within the next 30 years. The decline in their number is not just due to poaching, but also the destruction of their habitat. The surrounding forestry is being logged for not just timber, but also palm oil, pulp and paper.

The island of Sumatra is home well known for its diverse range of wildlife, but unless some kind of investment in to protecting their animals is made, many of the beautiful elephants, tigers, orang-utans and rhinos could well be in danger of extinction.

If you would like to help the plight of the world’s elephants, why not adopt one through our dedicated WWF charity page? Your small monthly donation will help safeguard the future of these amazing animals, plus you receive loads of goodies for your good deed.