The future of elephants

 We have to believe there is hope for elephants and in fact all wildlife in this world where human populations have exploded. The immense pressure on the wild world to survive at times creates a gloomy outlook but if nothing else wildlife is incredibly resilient and there are more people and organisations than ever working relentlessly to protect some of the most vulnerable animals like elephants that are poached in staggering numbers for their ivory. The big tuskers, the old mature bulls with enormous tusks form the backbone of elephant populations providing invaluable genetic material for future generations. Without them elephant populations are at great risk of collapse and sadly they are the ones targeted by poachers who hunt them down for their large tusks. It can help to remind people to refuse to buy ivory either old or new. Tusks belong on elephants not adorning humans or adding to their trinket collections. Personally I would love to see a total ban on the trade of all ivory products including old and antique objects not just new things. Surely the day has come to take decisive action before these amazing animals just disappear altogether.