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Paws Down!
To the South African government for lifting the 13-year ban on killing elephants for the purpose of reducing agricultural destruction and human interaction. Effective May 1, 2008, this ban means certain death for South Africa’s dwindling elephant population. Some researchers say that lifting the vital moratorium will further encourage poachers to kill these gentle animals for their ivory, pushing them once more toward extinction in this part of the world. Already, in Virunga National Park, 14 elephants have been slaughtered since mid-April. In 1959, there were approximately 3500 elephants in Virunga; today, there are 350. This decrease is blamed on the slackening of the ivory industry, and its growing demand in China. Some experts are concerned the ivory trade is growing to levels it was before the ban was enacted. Violence in the region is also contributing to the decreasing elephant population—it has been discovered that militias and soldiers are trading ivory for ammunition. A major concern for African farmers regarding elephants is the destruction of crops, fences and buildings. Elephant herds can devour crops, and trample fences and buildings. Alternatives to systematically eradicating populations of elephants are to build elephant-proof electric fencing, or place bee hives around the perimeter of the farmland. Studies have shown that elephants will keep their distance from bees—this method creates three favorable outcomes: crops remain intact, elephants keep their lives, and the farmer can reap the benefits of producing honey. Elephants have been pushed nearly to extinction in the past. Make it clear to South Africa that it should not happen again. Contact the South Africa Environmental Ministry to encourage them to reinstate the ban, consider humane alternatives, and crack down on poachers. Environmental Affairs and Tourism Marthinus van Schalwyk, Minister 315 Pertorius & van der Walt Streets Fedsure Forum Bldg. North Tower, 2nd Fl. Pretoria, 0001 South Africa |
