Elephant conservation news 07 November - 13 November 2009
Latest figures from the Elephant Trade Information System (ETIS) show that there has been a "remarkable surge" in the illicit ivory trade over the last two years.
Analysis of ETIS's elephant products seizure records found that 14,364 hauls have been recorded in 85 countries since 1989 - nearly 2,000 more than the number found at the last analysis in 2007.
Wildlife trade monitoring network TRAFFIC states that the data indicates "an increased involvement of organised crime syndicates in the trade, connecting African source countries with Asian end-use markets".
TRAFFIC identified Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Thailand as the countries most heavily involved in the illegal trade of ivory, with Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam also important players.
It said that the figures prove an action plan to reduce trade of African elephant ivory by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora had "failed to drive any significant change over the last five years".
Elephants to be removed from India's zoos
India's Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has ordered the relocation of the country's approximately 140 zoo and circus elephants to national parks, sanctuaries and nature reserves, The Times of India reports.
Dr B K Gupta, evaluation and monitoring officer at the CZA said: "The decision was taken after evaluating conditions of elephants at various zoos and circuses. We found that circuses specially were not following standards set under the Recognition of Zoo Rules, 1992."
The move has been broadly welcomed by conservationists, despite concerns about the move contravening the principle of ex-situ conservation.
Samir Sinha, from WWF India said: "There is merit in this decision. It is best for them to be as close to their natural habitat as possible. Elephants needs a lot of space to exercise and move about in and they are being deprived that space in zoos and circuses."
