Editor's Den

Raghul Patteri

Editor

The African bush elephant is the largest animal walking our earth today. It is a massive animal with impressive strength and abilities and is one of the two extant species of elephants in Africa, the other the comparatively smaller forest elephants of the Congo basin. These majestic pachyderms have roamed the earth for ages and once had cousins even bigger than them, all extinct now – a mute pointer that size might not be the guarantee for survival. In fact in the changed order of the “food-chain” where man rules supreme, it is often seen that size and strength have often worked against the interests of many species. Many big cats are being hunted down to extinction for the presumed medicinal benefits of their body parts. Elephants are no exception, ruthlessly being hunted through-out Africa for their tusks. The tusks which are supposed to adorn the majestic faces of these animals, today adorn the mantels of the rich in the far-east and elsewhere. It is an irony that the tusks which are weapons of offence and defense for the elephants are themselves becoming the major reason for their declining populations!

In this edition of PT Aware, Dr. Peter Hudson focuses on the plight of the African elephants and how the insatiable demand for ivory in the fareast is driving elephant populations to the brink. You will learn about the unfathomable cruelty that is being meted out to these animals and why it is difficult for elephant populations to bounce back.

On the bright side you will also read about how conservationists are fighting back with aid of the latest scientific breakthroughs, both by identifying areas of focus for defense forces and by helping prosecutors get convictions for poachers.

We wish these eco-warriors all the best and sincerely hope that their efforts are fruitful and brings respite to these mammals.

PT Aware seeks to increase awareness about wildlife conservation issues around the world – highlight both worrying and exciting facts illustrated by photographs provided by the Paws Trails community. Our next issue will focus on Cheetah, therefore prepare to start uploading your photographs of these elusive cats! A selection of your photographs will be chosen for publishing.

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