A World Without Elephants—Stop the Madness
It’s time to stop the madness. This week the International Union for Conservation of Nature, responsible for the most comprehensive inventory of species’ extinction risk, announced that Forest elephants are now listed as critically endangered and Savanna elephants are endangered. (Reported in Nat. Geo by Rachel Nuwer.)
Poaching remains the biggest driver of elephants’ decline in Africa. Poachers kill elephants for their tusks. If you own anything made out of ivory an elephant died for that item. When I was a child the keys on our piano were ivory—I am sickened to think how many of the largest mammals on earth died for a trend in decorative arts. Until all countries ban importing ivory and markets refuse to sell items made of ivory, elephant populations will continue to decrease.
Poaching has eased in the regions I visit in Kenya thanks to increased wildlife protection, collaboration with local communities, and tourism. However, these successes are now threatened by another issue—habitat loss and human wildlife conflict. The current encroachment of avocado farms in the Kimana Wildlife Corridor in Amboseli is a prime example.
180 acre parcel cleared and fenced in Kimana Wildlife Corridor. Photo Big Life Foundation report
When land is cleared and fenced for agriculture the long-term impact on the flora and fauna is felt immediately. Short term profits, jobs, and the promise of food security do not contribute to sustainable development in the long term. Paula Kahumbu, CEO of Wildlife Direct in Kenya, is desperately raising awareness about how large-scale faming contributes to habitat degradation, species extinction, human wildlife conflict, soil destruction, desertification, climate change, poverty, disease, and suffering.
Antelope trapped inside an avocado farm in Kimana Wildlife Corridor. Photo Big Life Foundation report
The conservation success story of the return of bald eagles in North America, reported in my blog, is a testimony to how recovery of a species on the brink of extinction is possible when wildlife is protected by government policies and wise environmental farming practices. Slowly, governments and businesses are recognizing that there is real economic benefit to protecting the environment.
Dr. Ben Okita, a Nairobi-based conservation biologist with Save the Elephants, offers some positive news in the NYT this week: “Where people are protecting elephants against poachers and planning land use carefully with sustainability in mind, Savanna elephants are thriving.” Restoration requires habitat protection and the involvement of communities that co-exist with wildlife. Collaboration is an effective solution for issues impacting climate change around the world.
Until we see wildlife as a partner in collaboration for the healing of the planet, success in the fight against climate change and preservation of the earth is in peril. I agree with Dr. Okita, “we need to reach people with more than information. We also need to reach their hearts.” When people care, they are motivated to protect. We are running out of time. Save the elephants, save the planet.
What can you do? Speak up for flora and fauna that have no voice. Contact governments and demand policies that protect natural habitats.
Here’s what you can do to help the elephants of Amboseli:
Help Dr. Kahumbu’s crusade by tweeting @tunajibu I love Kenya & elephants. Your ministry is responsible for the Management of Wildlife Dispersal Area. Pls urgently stop avocado farming in the Amboseli elephant dispersal area. #savetheelephants
When you travel choose places and operators that give back to the local community and are environmentally responsible.
Be a conscious shopper. Buy local when you can. Educate yourself about the impact of your consumer choices.
Donate to organizations that work in tandem with local people to protect wildlife and wild spaces like The Big Life Foundation and Wildlife Direct who are fighting to protect Amboseli, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
A purchase of a fine art print in my online store generates a $50 donation to protecting the Amboseli elephants.
Even if you never have the privilege of seeing an elephant in the wild you can make a difference in their lives now. Let’s ensure our grandchildren and their grandchildren get the benefit of wildlife and wilderness. When we protect wildlife, we protect our future.
Thank you for reading. Support conservation efforts by purchasing an elephant print, photo cards, or a throw pillow. And every purchase of a wildlife-inspired piece in my full store helps charitable organizations doing valuable conservation work across the planet.
