The quantity of illicit ivory traded has more than doubled since 2007 and the African elephant faces the most serious threat since the ban on commercial trade in ivory in 1989.
Such dramatic habitat changes could wipe Kenya off the list of leading wildlife tourism destinations. The biggest threat to tourism is not travel advisories but rampant poaching.
Just like drug lords, local poaching bosses and their acolytes within national conservation agencies are extremely well connected in business and politics. In some African countries poaching money is used to finance presidential campaigns.
With the soaring value of ivory and rhino horn it is inevitable that militias, terrorists and politicians will want to profit from it.
– Dr Awiti, Director of the East African Institute and Assistant Professor at Aga Khan University
Learn more at President’s Touch Will Save Wildlife
Infographic stats from Infographic: Poaching increases with demand for ivory from elephant tusks
All related Dr. Alex Awiti: https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/tag/alex-awiti/
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