You already know how dire the poaching crisis is for Africa's wildlife. Elephants – including mothers and their vulnerable calves who cannot fend for themselves – are in constant danger of being poached.
In fact, as many as 35,000 elephants are killed for their tusks every year. This situation is so dire that as of 2021, African savanna elephants are now listed as endangered, and African forest elephants are listed as critically endangered by the IUCN.
It's not too late to protect Africa's remaining elephants, but we need to act fast.Your support and dedication could not come at a more critical – or dangerous – time.
As you may know, ivory can be sold on the black market for a quick profit if the products can be traded in volume. And organized crime syndicates are perfectly willing to do a volume business.
Help us protect elephants and other endangered species now
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They have figured out that by using powerful weapons and technology, elephants are easy to pick off. And as long as they can get their gruesome stash of tusks through customs, they can net an enormous profit.
African Wildlife Foundation has programs in place that work to stop poachers – but we need your help to expand them quickly. As a member of Care2 you can join this crucial effort at the special discounted rate of just $20.
When you become a member of AWF, you'll receive our exclusive wildlife calendar, quarterly newsletter, and membership card. It's our way of helping you learn more about the species you're saving while saying thank you for your much-needed help!
In the field, we're training rangers and scouts to patrol protected areas. In airports, we're using sniffer dogs that can detect the smell of ivory and rhino horn being smuggled through customs. And in the halls of government, we're working to develop African-led policies that discourage poaching and protect crucial animal habitats.
Your partnership is absolutely necessary to implement these programs – it is the only way to save elephants and other critically endangered African species from the brink of extinction. You took action before – please don't wait to do it again.
Thank you in advance,
Philip Muruthi VP for Species and Conservation Science
P.S. For you and me, elephants are creatures of awe and majesty. For poachers, elephants are simply a commodity. Help us expand our efforts to protect elephants and all of Africa's wildlife. Become a member at the special Care2 discounted price of $20 today.
But illegal poachingmight destroy Africa's biodiversity forever.
Where do we stand?
Why are these animals killed?
Endangered animals are slaughtered so that a single body part – tusks, pelt, or bones – can be illegally sold for huge sums of money.
Hangovers
Fever
Impotence
Cancer
The demand for rhino horn is exceedingly high on the black market; and is even valued more than gold.
Jewelry
Religious Figurines
Utensils
Trinkets
Illegal ivory can fetch a high price on the black market and can make a quick profit if the products can be traded in volume.
Zebras are hunted for their skins. They are also occasionally used for meat or medicine.
Wildlife officials have observed a recent surge in trafficking of infant gorillas. They are sold for up to $40,000.
Lions are being slaughtered for their body parts, including teeth, claws, and bones.
How did this happen?
The vast majority of poaching is caused by organized crime syndicates that use high-powered technology and weaponry to track and kill many animals at once without being detected.
What does this mean for Africa?
At current poaching rates, elephants, rhinos, and other iconic African wildlife may be gone within our lifetime.
What we're doing:
Protect Wildlife: We recruit, train, and equip our scouts with advanced tools like satellite phones, GPS, and all-terrain vehicles to help them safeguard animals.
Conserve Land: In tandem with anti- poaching efforts, we establish wildlife corridors – large sections of land that allow animals to move from one national park to another.
Educate the Public: We work with conservation groups and governments to raise awareness of poaching, illegal trading, and dwindling wildlife populations.
Provide Livelihood Alternatives: We work to provide alternative means of livelihood to local communities so wildlife is not harmed in order to sustain the local economy.
That's not all. To learn about our many ongoing efforts to protect Africa, visit: www.awf.org
What you can do:
Spread the word
Share this crucial information about the poaching crisis with your friends and family.
Spread the word
Share this crucial information about the poaching crisis with your friends and family.