Another alert for the better protection of elephants. This is what emerges from the latest report, published by the Department of Wildlife and Hunting, on the state of poaching elephants in Burkina Faso. This report outlines the growing intensification of poaching that threatens the survival of elephants. Between January 1, 2012, and May 31, 2015, it was recorded that there were more than 402 cases of the illegal killing of elephants, including 305 cases in the Eastern Region. This is the result of strong demand on the black market, for ivory, since 2009.
Animal trafficking, according to the report of that institution, has become the new business, more lucrative than drug, human, and arms trafficking. Indeed, the illegal wildlife trade brings in between 8 and 10 billion dollars per year. The reason for the poaching is mostly for this gain.
However, other reasons explain the butchery of elephants in Burkina. These are, among others, for food, for the pharmacopeia, customs, crop damage, physical attacks, etc.
Recognizing the threat to wildlife, the Burkinase government has adopted several measures at the national level to protect the elephants. Thus, since 1973, the pachyderm has had the status of full protection at the national level. Killing elephants is prohibited at any time and in any place. Elephant poaching is punishable by imprisonment from 1 to 5 years and a fine which varies from 100,000 to 5 million CFA francs.
The environmental and economic impact of poaching is real. It destabilizes ecosystems, and changes the structure of the elephant populations. It has effects of stress on the animals. Poaching plays negatively on the reproduction of the animals and their migration.
The massacre generates a loss to the treasury, and the local populations in wildlife areas, because of the drop in tourism.
The elephant ivory: a real business
The disappearance of the African elephant is at an unprecedented pace, while demand for ivory is showing no decline. Thousands of elephants are illegally killed every year across Africa.
More than 35,000 elephants were slaughtered during the single year 2012 (WWF, April 2015). Animal trafficking has become very lucrative, and the impact on flora and fauna is significant. It will require common control measures, in Africa, to eradicate poaching.
http://www.leconomistedufaso.