Elephant Poaching and Ivory Seizures 1998 - 2004
Article courtesy of the Born Free Foundation www.bornfree.org.uk

The Born Free Foundation, as part of the Species Survival Network Elephant Working Group (SSN EWG), began recording cases of illegal ivory seizures and elephant poaching in 1998. Their new 'Tip of the Tusk' report is a compilation of the information collected. It provides compelling evidence that the illegal ivory trade is thriving, and that elephants continue to be poached for their ivory.

Analysis of the data shows that between 1998 and 2004 at least 95.3 tonnes of ivory have been reported seized and, in addition, more than 12,591 elephants (Asian and African) have been reported poached. Ninety-five tonnes roughly represents the ivory of more than 15,000 dead elephants.

It is widely accepted that not all illegal ivory in trade is seized and not all poached elephants are found and reported; hence these figures represent just the 'tip of the tusk' in terms of the scale of illegal trade in ivory and level of elephant poaching. Indeed, Born Free Foundation has received many reports involving poaching and trade, that for one reason or another could not be included. For example, we have information concerning more than 19,420 pieces of seized ivory which were either unweighed, or where weights were not reported.

Elephants and the ivory trade have been a major focus for CITES Parties for many years. This report, however, gives some indication of how much more still needs to be achieved before elephant poaching for ivory is brought under control, and before any proposals for further ivory exports should be considered by the CITES Parties.

Download a full version of the "Tip of the Tusk" report:
Tip of the tusk
File is a 233KB pdf.