Wildlife Crime in figures

36,000 OF THE WORLDS ELEPHANTS KILLED ANNUALLY

This equates to one elephant being slaughtered every 15 minutes. Already driven to extinction in countries like Sierra Leone and Senegal, we cannot to continue to watch these animals disappear.

3X INCREASE IN ILLEGAL IVORY TRAFFICKING IN LAST DECADE

Populations of elephants in Africa continue to be under severe threat as the illegal trade in ivory grows – with double the numbers of elephants killed and triple the amounts of ivory seized, over the last decade. An estimated value of $37,378,509 of ivory was seized in 2014.

71% ELEPHANT DECLINE IN MALAWI 2002-2006

Malawi itself is suffering from a massive decline in elephant populations. Poaching, isolation, encroachment and habitat loss are threatening populations in Malawi, and management and conservation is limited by a lack of rigorous research and survey data.

1 ELEPHANT WORTH 76 DEAD ELEPHANTS

A single dead elephant’s tusks are estimated to have a raw value of $21,000 but, in comparison, the estimated tourism value of a single living elephant is $1,607,624.83 over its lifetime to travel companies, airlines and local economies. So, a living elephant is worth considerably more than a dead, 76 times more in fact.

90% PROFITS BENEFITTING TERRORIST & CRIMINAL GROUPS

The illegal wildlife trade is the fourth most lucrative illegal activity after drugs, arms and human trafficking and it is widely known that corrupt officials, criminal groups and even terrorist groups are involved in the illegal trade in ivory. A majority of the profits falling into their hands is a dangerous scenario and fuelling further criminal activity.

ELEPHANTS WILL BE EXTINCT BY 2025 IF POACHING RATES CONTINUE

Poaching rates have soared in recent years due to the increase in the demand of ivory, a lack of protection for elephants and inadequate punishments for crimes such as poaching and trafficking. To see one of the greatest symbols of African heritage go extinct within our lifetime is a very bleak prospect.