Elephants are a crucial species. They shape and maintain their environments, allowing many plant and animal species to thrive in those habitats. The disappearance of elephants significantly impacts the species that rely on the ecosystems maintained by elephants, leading to habitat disorder and a decrease in nature's structure and diversity.
New Delhi: Elephants, the majestic creatures that have captivated people’s hearts worldwide, are facing a crisis. Their imposing presence and gentle nature make them a sight to behold, whether in the confines of a zoo or their natural habitat. However, the awe-inspiring beauty of these creatures is overshadowed by the ever-present threat of poaching.
Africa, home to most of the world’s elephant population, remains a battleground for conserving these magnificent animals. Weighing up to a whopping 7.5 tonnes, elephants are the largest terrestrial animals, making them prime targets for poachers seeking to exploit their tusks for the lucrative ivory trade.
As history has taught us, the largest mammals are often the most vulnerable to human exploitation, and elephants are no exception. Their meat, trunks, and, most tragically, their tusks have made them the victims of relentless hunting. According to the World Population Review, elephants today number a mere 4,40,000, starkly contrasting their historical numbers.
In this article, we will examine the current state of elephant populations. List of Country-wise Elephant population List of Species-wise Elephant population When is World Elephant Day commemorated? On August 12, the world marks World Elephant Day, recognising the importance of these magnificent creatures of the planet. Unfortunately, the number of elephants has dropped by 62 per cent in the last decade, and they could be extinct within the next decade if nothing changes.
Every day, about 100 African elephants are killed by poachers due to the demand for ivory in Asian markets. This led to the slaughter of thousands of elephants. World Elephant Day aims to raise awareness and bring about change to protect these majestic creatures.
Since its establishment in 2012 by Patricia Sims and the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation of Thailand, along with over 100 elephant conservation organisations worldwide, World Elephant Day has reached millions of people who care about elephants and want to help. This day serves as an opportunity for organisations and individuals to unite and address the threats facing elephants. By coming together, we can support conservation efforts to make the world safer for elephants and their habitats, ensuring that future generations can continue to appreciate them.
Elephants weigh up to a whopping 7.5 tonnes, making them one of the largest animals on this planet (Photo credit: Matthias Hempel / 500px Prime/Getty Images).
