Global News - May 2008

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Sharp rise in elephant poaching in the Congo

Fri 02 May 2008 14:00 UK — Africa,Elephants, Rhinos, Hippos

Local conservationists have expressed concern after figures released by the government in Congo revealed that 14 elephants were killed by poachers in as many days last month.

The local experts said that rising demand for ivory in China was encouraging poaching in the central African nation.

It is thought that the poachers are transporting the ivory through Virunga National Park and into Uganda and Burundi before it is shipped to China.

Alexandre Wathaut, provincial director of the Congolese wildlife authority, said: "This is the worst month we have seen in a long time in terms of recorded elephant deaths."

Local wildlife worker Emmanuel de Merode added: "The upsurge in elephant killings in Virunga is part of a widespread slaughter across the Congo Basin and is being driven by developments on the international scene.

"The liberalisation of the ivory trade, being pushed by South Africa, and the increased presence of Chinese operators on the ground, who feed a massive domestic demand for ivory in their home country."

Poaching in the Congo has also had serious effects on populations of hippos, elephants and antelope. What's more, ten critically endangered mountain gorillas have been killed in the country in recent months.

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