50,000 elephants killed illegally in Africa yearly

It has been revealed that about 50,000 elephants are killed yearly in Africa.
This revelation was made by a writer, Bryan Christy at a panel discussion organized by the American Embassy on Biodiversity and wildlife in Accra
He said 62 per cent of forest elephants have been killed in the last 10 years, with about $50 million illegal ivories seized.
He pointed out that the phenomenon is serious in Central, Western and Eastern Africa adding that 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.
The Manager of the Commercial Development Unit, Wildlife Division of the Forest Commission, David Kpelle said Agriculture and illegal logging are the greatest threats to biodiversity and wildlife conservation in the country.
According to him, 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 and called on stakeholder’s collaboration to fight cross-border wildlife conversation.
He also mentioned that 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: Ghana [GNA]