Alarming: Over 1.6K elephants poached in 2023, but only 8 smugglers convicted
Regrettably, despite growing awareness among global citizens, poaching and animal smuggling continue to pose a significant threat to the environment. Body parts from many protected species are still used in traditional medicine and the decorative industry.
12:07 PM EST, December 20, 2023
At least 1,602 elephants killed by poachers in 2023
The research organization Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) reports that there were a total of 367 cases of animal or parts thereof being smuggled in 2023. Of these incidents, 101 involved ivory smuggling. Authorities managed to intercept roughly 11.8 US tons of ivory this year, implying at least 1,602 elephants were killed.
In the past year, approximately 11.6 US tons of rhino horns, 45 tiger skins, one tiger skeleton, and one living specimen were seized. Furthermore, numerous products made from protected tree species were also confiscated.
Only eight smugglers convicted in 2023
Pangolins were the species most frequently poached in 2023. Their scales are used in traditional medicine. Remarkably, nearly 9.9 US tons of scales were confiscated this year, demonstrating thousands of animals were killed to acquire them.
Smugglers were most frequently apprehended in Africa and Southeast Asia, but their activity is a global problem. Since the start of the year, 91 individuals have been detained or arrested for smuggling. Unfortunately, just eight of them have been convicted. Activists stress that the actual scale of poaching is much larger, and the majority of smugglers continue to evade capture.
Source: TVN Meteo, PAP
