An Environmental Investigation Agency report says that Chinese demand for ivory is devastating Tanzania's elephant population.
Chinese Demand for Ivory
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According to the EIA (Environmental Investigation Agency), the Selous Reserve, a "protected World Heritage" game reserve, covering 50,000 square kilometers, has suffered a blow to its elephant population because of ivory poaching. The population has dropped from 38,975 animals to roughly 13,000 in just four years. Seen in this photo is a herd of elephants in the Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania. (Creative Commons)
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IEA reports that Tanzania has become the largest source of poached ivory in the world due to demand from China, the largest importer of illicit tusks. Pictured here is an aerial view of the Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania. (Wikimedia)
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The price for poached ivory has seen a spike upward, largely because China prizes it as a symbol of wealth as well as a strong investment opportunity, like gold or diamonds. Pictured here are elephants roaming in the Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania. (Wikimedia)
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Entrance to the Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania. (Wikimedia)