“2011 has seen a record number of large ivory seizures globally, reflecting the sharp rise in illegal ivory trade underway since 2007,” according to TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade and monitoring network. The ivory trade has been fueled by Asia’s more traditional demand and recent rise in economic prosperity. The growth of trade links between Asia and Africa may also be facilitating the methodology of the illicit trade by providing both more shipping and merchants who might engage. The TRAFFIC data appears to be in line with similar information coming through the United Nations system (UNEP &CITES). “According to a report prepared by the CITES programme for Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE), last year saw the highest levels of elephant poaching since 2002, with Central Africa being of most concern, with poverty, poor governance and consumption patterns in China, among the prime causes.” Read: -“Elephant-Rhino Poaching Poaching” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/elephant-rhino-poaching-by-ambassador-mo/34382. According to antidoctal information the elephants populations in the conflict areas of central Africa, particularly in the Great Lakes region, are hardest hit. (Kenyan and Tanzanian ports are cited as having witnessed pronounced increase in seizures). However, there has been also a noticeable decline in “Tuskers” – large elephants with tusks – in southern Africa despite even greater presence of science and anti-poaching law enforcement. The war against the elephant follows the perhaps extinction of Black Rhino’s in the same areas and again due to poaching and demand from Asia. See Film Report: - “Black Rhino Extinction” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/black-rhino-extinction/29125 Link to TRAFFIC story - www.traffic.org/home/2011/12/29/2011-annus-horribilis-for-african-elephants-says-traffic.html By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook – Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX More at Ecology-Diplomat - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/ecology-diplomat/most_recent/1