Unfortunately, the elephants' home may also provide retreats for armed opposition groups during times of war and political unrest. The primary ivory-importing nations are Japan, Hong Kong, the United States and several European countries. In 2004 the average weight was reportedly 3.6 kg (8 lb.). In 1990 the average weight was reportedly 3 kg (6.6 lb.). The average tusk weight in 1988 was 5.9 kg (13 lb.). The average tusk weight for an African elephant in 1982 was 9.7 kg (21 lb.). Poaching has led to the indiscriminate shooting of elephants of all ages, resulting in a decrease in the average tusk size of surviving elephants' offspring.
Some of this ivory comes from legal sources, such as culling (legalized killing), but about 80% is derived from poached tusks. Today, an estimated about 70,000 African elephants are killed annually for the ivory trade. As long as there is a demand for ivory, however, poaching will continue. In 1988, the going price for ivory was between $200US and $300US per kg ($100US to $150US per lb.).Ĭurrently it is illegal to poach elephants. However, the greatest use of ivory is for the carving and creation of billiard balls, piano keys, bagpipes, buttons, and ornamental items. Some African tribes have utilized the water-absorbing properties of ivory as rain predictors. Poaching for IvoryĮlephants have long been hunted for the ivory in their tusks. Due to the overall smaller tusk size in Asian elephants, poaching is not a primary concern to their conservation. With increased human settlement, elephant migration routes have been greatly obstructed.Īfrican elephant populations are threatened by poaching for ivory and habitat loss/fragmentation. The main threats to elephant populations today are habitat loss/ fragmentation and poaching.Įlephants may require a few hundred to a few thousand square kilometers of habitat as a home range. Wounds may be protected from insect or worm infestation by coating them with mud. Digestive diseases may be treated through fasting or through natural treatments such as consuming bitter herbs, bark, or alkaline (basic) earth. When ill, elephants help themselves in a variety of ways. It is characterized by chronic weight loss, nasal discharge, coughing, and diminished appetite. It is through tiny droplets in the air and can infect humans and elephants. Tuberculosis is a disease caused by bacterium that affects the lungs. There are a host of illnesses that are specific to elephants, such as trunk paralysis and elephant pox.Įlephants are susceptible to some diseases spread by mosquitoes and to some inflictions that affect humans, such as intestinal colic, nettle rash, pneumonia, constipation, and even the common cold. This disease may be spread through contaminated water or soil. Anthrax is a bacterium that causes high fever, shivering, ulcers, and swellings. DiseaseĪnthrax is one of the most fatal diseases impacting elephants.
Humans are the greatest threat to all elephant populations. PredatorsĬarnivores (meat eaters) such as lions, hyenas, and crocodiles may prey upon young, sick, orphaned, or injured elephants. The average lifespan of elephants is about 65 years of age or more.Īn elephant calf's first year of life is its most vulnerable time with mortality rates exceeding 30%.
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