Most of Africa's older elephants have been killed for their younger tusks, leaving younger, inexperienced animals to fend for themselves. Orphaned calves are especially vulnerable. Remember, elephant herds are led by older, wiser cows which pass their knowledge on to new generations. About the only good news in the African elephant's corner is the fact that the species is in little demand as a beast of burden. While African elephants have been trained and used as draft animals, they have never been popularly used as Asian elephants have.
Desperate times breed desperate measures.
Guards now patrol Africa's national parks, sometimes shooting poachers on sight. Environmental and conservation organizations work to educate the public even as they campaign for stricter laws and wrestle with unpleasant tactics. If the trend and moratorium continue, African elephants may recover some of their numbers. . . . . Here are some African nations that . Page 9 Page 11 . . . . . . .