Elephant poaching is one of the greatest threats facing these intelligent and social animals. Driven by the illegal trade in ivory and other body parts, poaching has decimated elephant populations across Africa and Asia. In the past century, around 90 percent of African elephants have been killed by poachers. The demand for ivory, which is often carved into ornaments and jewelry, continues to fuel the killing, destabilizing ecosystems and threatening global biodiversity.
The main motivation behind elephant poaching is profit. Ivory is highly valued, especially in parts of Asia where it is used for decoration and traditional medicine. Elephants with large tusks, known as big tuskers, are especially targeted. Trafficking routes often run from Africa to Asia, keeping illegal markets supplied. At the same time, poverty and lack of economic opportunity in many rural communities push some people to poach as a way to survive. Studies show that many poachers would stop if they had alternative ways to earn a living.
To address this crisis, conservation organizations such as the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) are leading anti-poaching efforts and community programs. Their initiatives include training and providing alternative livelihoods, such as small business opportunities for Maasai women in Kenya and sustainable farming in Malawi and Zambia. By supporting local communities and reducing the need to rely on poaching, these programs offer hope for both people and elephants, working toward a future where elephants can live safely in the wild.
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