International Animal Rights Day, observed on December 10th, is a poignant reminder of the shared responsibility we hold in preserving the incredible diversity of life on our planet. As we mark this day, it is crucial to reflect on the pressing issues that threaten our wildlife and animal rights, there are so many issues to cover from exploitation and maltreatment of our fellow sentient beings, to global species extinction and the alarming consequences of hunting for ivory, rhino horn, and trophy hunting.
Wildlife Extinction:
The specter of wildlife extinction looms large, with countless species teetering on the brink of disappearing forever. According to recent studies, the current rate of species loss is estimated to be 1,000 times higher than the natural extinction rate, primarily due to human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. This alarming trend emphasizes the urgent need for concerted global efforts to protect and rehabilitate vulnerable ecosystems.
Hunting for Ivory and Rhino Horn:
One of the gravest threats to certain species, such as elephants and rhinos, is the illegal trade of ivory and rhino horn. Despite international bans, the demand for these products persists, leading to the poaching and brutal killing of these majestic creatures. Statistics reveal that thousands of elephants are poached annually for their ivory, with rhinos facing a similar fate. The rampant poaching not only endangers these species but also disrupts entire ecosystems, further underscoring the interconnectedness of all living beings.
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Elephants of the African Savannah. Source Paul Allen The Great Elephant Census
Elephant Poaching:
In the last six decades, over 4.5 million elephants have lost their lives, and at present, Africa continues to witness the tragic loss of about four elephants every hour. Over the last five decades, the population of African Forest elephants has witnessed a 60% reduction, with a staggering decline of over 85% in the past 30 years alone.
According to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), tens of thousands of elephants are killed each year for their ivory tusks. In 1989, (CITES) listed African elephants under In 1989, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) placed African elephants under Appendix I. imposing restrictions on the international trade of their parts. However, the demand for ivory has persisted, leading to the continued illegal trafficking and poaching of elephants. For a more in-depth exploration of these one-off ivory sales, refer to the article on Elephant Poaching Facts Buyers of Elephant Ivory
The African Elephant Database estimates that African elephant populations have decreased by about 111,000 elephants between 2006 and 2015 due to poaching and habitat loss.
Comprising two distinct species, African elephants include the more prevalent African bush elephant and the smaller African forest elephant. The world’s largest living land animal, the bush elephant, possesses tusks—modified incisors used by both males and females. These tusks, which can weigh dozens of kilograms, serve essential purposes in the elephants’ daily lives. While tusks are crucial for the animals, they also represent a significant source of ivory, often utilized in the creation of ornaments and jewelry in Asia.
Between 2003 and 2014, excluding 2005, CITES reports consistently highlighted alarming levels of illegal elephant killings in Central Africa, surpassing sustainable rates compared to natural population growth. This indicates that elephants in the region are facing mortality rates that exceed their reproductive capacities. The same report reveals that West Africa experienced unsustainable levels of elephant poaching during two periods: 2007-2009 and 2011-2014 and this continues to be the case into 2023.
In response to the localized population losses, several programs have emerged to safeguard elephants, address human-elephant conflicts in areas where elephants frequently encounter farms, and combat poaching. Over the years, there have been ongoing elephant relocation initiatives, also known as translocation projects. These projects aim to transfer elephants from regions with higher numbers to more suitable habitats capable of sustaining and benefiting from their reintroduction.
The Great Elephant Census, identified a 30% decline in savanna elephant population in just seven years and estimated African bush elephant populations at approximately 350,000. Additionally, a separate census focusing on African forest elephants estimated their numbers at 18,000 to 36,500 individuals within select protected parks.
Due to the efforts of Paul Allen who was behind the Great Elephant Census legacy, in 2016, delegates at the IUCN congress took a decisive step by passing a motion that urges countries to close domestic ivory trades. Simultaneously, all 182 member nations of CITES, (the international agreement dedicated to protecting endangered plants and animals), unanimously agreed on the imperative closure of legal ivory markets. Within the subsequent year, China and Hong Kong, two of the largest legal markets globally, committed to implementing ivory bans. In Tanzania, a country severely impacted by ivory poaching, heightened enforcement efforts led to the apprehension of several high-profile ivory kingpins.
The Great Elephant Census (GEC) not only raised awareness but also underscored the need for improvements in how protected area managers monitor and manage their wildlife populations. This realization prompted the development of innovative tools, including EarthRanger, to enhance the effectiveness of conservation initiatives.
Between late August and November 2020, a puzzling phenomenon unfolded in northwestern Zimbabwe, leading to the inexplicable deaths of thirty-five African elephants. Notably, eleven of these massive herd animals succumbed to unknown circumstances within a 24-hour timeframe.
Dr. Chris Foggin, a veterinarian at Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust in Zimbabwe and coauthor of the study probing the cause of these deaths, emphasized the enigmatic nature of the event. He remarked, “They died over a very narrow window. That’s one of the most enigmatic parts of the whole puzzle. That many animals dying quite close together but not right next to each other over such a narrow space of time. It’s really, to my mind, rather unique, certainly in this part of the world.”
Adding to the complexity of the situation, earlier in the same year, approximately 350 elephants in northern Botswana, a neighboring region, also experienced sudden and unexplained deaths over a three-month period.
While the elephant mortalities in Botswana were linked to cyanobacterial neurotoxins, the study noted a lack of published details on the matter. Dr. Foggin emphasized that there is no established connection between the elephant deaths in Zimbabwe and Botswana. Further research, based on samples taken from 15 of the elephants that died in Zimbabwe, revealed that a bacterial infection was the cause. Source
Published on October 25 in the journal Nature Communications, the analysis presented evidence of infection by a relatively unknown bacterium called Bisgaard taxon 45, resulting in septicemia or blood poisoning. This finding sheds light on the previously unexplained deaths of the elephants in Zimbabwe, these outbreaks were impacted by the dry season reducing availability of food and water, compelling the elephants to cover greater distances in search of sustenance and water sources, this is why habitat conservation is important in supporting sustainable resources for dwindling elephant populations which become more vulnerable to disease outbreaks like these as their habitats are decreasing.
Addressing the challenges confronting the elephant population demands several essential actions. There is a pressing need for sustained awareness and education regarding the threats faced by elephants. Cultivating a widespread understanding of the perils to the elephant population and discouraging the possession of ivory products on a community and societal level can effectively encourage people to take proactive initiatives.
Rhino by Kristian Schmidt from Getty Images
Rhino Hunting:
South Africa, holding the majority of the world’s rhino population, has been severely impacted by the critical issue of rhino poaching, primarily affecting the black rhinoceros and the white rhinoceros. Over the last decade, a staggering 9,396 rhinos have fallen victim to poaching, making South Africa the epicenter of this crisis. Between 2013 and 2017, the country experienced a significant surge in rhino poaching, with more than 1,000 rhinos killed each year.
Save the Rhino Organization reports that in 2021, South Africa witnessed an unfortunate increase in rhino poaching for the first time in six years. The unexpected rise is believed to be influenced by the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Lockdowns and curfew laws, particularly stringent in South Africa, likely made it challenging for poachers to access reserves, resulting in a temporary decline in incidents. However, as restrictions eased, criminal syndicates seized opportunities, causing a 13% increase in poaching since 2020. Despite this setback, it is encouraging that the overall trajectory for rhino poaching in South Africa remains on a downward trend.
The country had reported a decrease in rhino poaching incidents in 2020, a positive development attributed in part to aggressively defend the Rhino populations with intensified anti-poaching efforts.
Amidst the decline in poaching incidents in large national parks like Kruger, poaching gangs have shifted their focus to smaller provincial parks in various regions. One such park facing a poaching crisis is Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in KwaZulu-Natal.
Cathy Dean, CEO of Save the Rhino International, notes that in 2020, the conservation community found a silver lining amid the pandemic. However, recent figures have confirmed fears that the positive impact was short-lived. South Africa’s rhino population has seen a dramatic decline in recent years. Compounding the issue, poachers are now infiltrating new areas that have already been severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The dramatic decline in rhino populations, particularly in crucial strongholds like Kruger National Park in South Africa, is a concerning reality. Over the past decade, these majestic creatures have faced relentless poaching, leaving them with little opportunity to recover. The persistent poaching crisis, coupled with prolonged periods of drought, has inflicted severe and lasting damage. Urgent action is imperative to prevent a further dwindling of their numbers.
Amidst the ongoing poaching crisis, one significant challenge is the diversion of attention from essential measures vital for the future well-being of rhinos. While anti-poaching efforts remain a top priority, it is crucial not to overlook other equally critical strategies necessary for their conservation. These include biological management, community engagement, capacity building, national and international coordination, and the establishment of sustainable financing for essential rhino conservation programs. A comprehensive approach that incorporates these tools is essential for ensuring the long-term survival and thriving of rhino populations.
Trophy Hunting:
Trophy hunting, a practice where animals are hunted for sport, remains a contentious issue in the realm of wildlife conservation. While proponents argue that it contributes to conservation efforts and local economies, critics contend that it poses a severe threat to endangered species. The death of iconic animals, such as lions, leopards, and elephants, for the sake of trophies raises ethical questions and highlights the need for stricter regulations to ensure the protection of vulnerable species.
On International Animal Rights Day, let us recommit ourselves to the cause of wildlife preservation. It is imperative that we advocate for stronger conservation measures, support anti-poaching initiatives, stronger approaches to habitat conservation, and push for global cooperation to combat the illegal wildlife trade. By standing together and raising awareness about the consequences of our actions, we can strive towards a world where every species, no matter how big or small, can thrive without the looming threat of extinction. As stewards of this planet, on a community level and global level, we hold the power to make a difference and secure a future where animals are celebrated, protected, and allowed to live in harmony with nature.
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” – Mahatma Gandhi
“The wildlife and its habitat cannot speak, so we must and we will.” – Theodore Roosevelt
“The earth does not belong to us: we belong to the earth.” – Marlee Matlin
“The continued existence of wildlife and wilderness is important to the quality of life of humans.” – Jim Fowler
“The fate of animals is of greater importance to me than the fear of appearing ridiculous; it is indissolubly connected with the fate of men.” – Émile Zola
“Wildlife is something which man cannot construct. Once it is gone, it is gone forever. Man can rebuild a pyramid, but he can’t rebuild ecology, or a giraffe.” – Joy Adamson
“The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.” – Rachel Carson
“We won’t have a society if we destroy the environment.” – Margaret Mead
“Wildlife conservation is not only about saving animals. It’s about saving ourselves.” – Shane Mahoney
“The wildlife of today is not ours to do with as we please. We have it in trust. We must account for it to those who come after.” – King George VI
Further resources and links
Evolve to Ecology on Wordpress
https://evolvetoecology.org/2023/12/10/international-animal-rights-day-advocating-for-wildlife-preservation/