50,000 elephants said to be killed illegally in Africa yearly

Mr Bryan Christy, a writer, on Thursday said about 50,000 elephants are killed yearly in Africa.

He said 62 per cent of forest elephants have been killed in the last 10 years, with about 50 million dollars illegal ivories seized.

Mr Christy made this known at a panel discussion organised by the American Embassy on Biodiversity and wildlife in Accra.

He said the phenomenon is serious in Central, Western and Eastern Africa.

He said China is the major buyer of the illegal ivories from the poachers.

He called on the civil society, NGOs and the media to support the fight against wildlife trafficking in Africa.

Mr David Kpelle, Manager of the Commercial Development Unit, Wildlife Division of the Forest Commission said Agriculture and illegal logging are the greatest threats to biodiversity and wildlife conservation in the country.

He said there is massive agriculture expansion due to the population of the country.

Mr Kpelle said a survey conducted indicated that the country is recovering its lost forest reserves.

He called on stakeholder’s collaboration to fight cross-border wildlife conversation.

Mr Kpelle said the commission is planning to provide alternative livelihood for people who depend on the wildlife forest for their survival.

He said it is necessary to strengthen the governance system to make sure the existing laws are enforced to monitor biodiversity and wildlife conservation.

Source: GNA