Protecting Elephants in Africa

Currently, elephants are amongst the most endangered species in Africa. The uncertainty threatening elephants by its commercial value of ivory compared to a cow which is not threatened by huge demand for beef is high. The fact is that most Africans are mixed farmers such that they grow crops and keep livestock. Amongst the most kept livestock is cattle. The nomad's communities based in Africa consider owning a lot of cattle as a symbol of wealth. Livestock is the only source of living amongst the nomads, so they ensure that the population is not declining despite the high demand for beef. The threat facing elephants in Africa continent is climate change and poaching (Roe et al., 2017). The African climate is changing at a fast rate in many countries turning to be unfriendly to the existence of elephants. The climatic change is also affecting their production, therefore, leading to a continuous decline in their population (Maisels et al., 2013). Poaching to get ivory is also contributing majorly to the elephant's population decline. Although it is illegal, Africans still engage in the activity in an attempt to obtain ivory which is precious.

There are various strategies which have been established to protect elephants. The most successful implemented methods of protecting elephants in Africa include eliminating demand for ivory, creating strict consequences applicable to poachers and educations through initiatives (Roe et al., 2017). These mechanisms have been applied in Several African countries, and they have proved to be effective. The African ivory markets have been completely banned. Anyone found in possession of ivory is subjected to the established laws and severe consequences follow. Poaching has been illegalized in all game reserves and game parks. Game wardens have been put in a position to arrest any poacher then the established laws take their way. Governments are working tirelessly to educate the public on the importance of protecting elephants through initiatives (Maisels et al., 2013). The education has played a critical role in the protection of elephants. It is the role of everyone to adhere to the established rules to ensure that elephants are protected. Failure to comply with the call of protecting elephants, they will become endangered soon.

References

Maisels, F., Strindberg, S., Blake, S., Wittemyer, G., Hart, J., Williamson, E. A., ... & Bakabana, P. C. (2013). Devastating decline of forest elephants in Central Africa.? PloS one,? 8(3), e59469.

Roe, D., Cooney, R., Dublin, H., Challender, D., Biggs, D., Skinner, D., ... & Murphree, M. (2017). First line of defence: engaging communities in tackling wildlife crime.? Unasylva,? 68(249), 33.

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