Populations of elephants have been dropping for decades. It was only in 1989 when ivory trading was banned internationally. Since then, a black market has developed which has fueled illegal poaching and high prices for ivory tusks. One pound of illegal ivory can fetch $1,500. One elephant tusk can weight 150 lbs. This puts the value of one elephant at $450,000 in proceeds to illegal poachers. China consumes 70% of the illicit ivory trade, followed by the Philippines and Thailand. Ivory is used for ornaments and jewelry. In the past, it was mainly used for false teeth and piano keys.
A 100 years ago, the total elephant population sat around 10 million. Today, estimates are around 500,000. This is a drastic drop in population. Governments around the world and organizations have taken conservation efforts to preserve and grow elephant populations. This scenario identically mimics what American has gone through with the buffalo. In 1900, the American buffalo population was down to 300. In 1850, their population was 30 million. The buffalo almost went extinct from 30 million to zero in 50 years. Back then, 5000 buffalo were being killed everyday. Because of extreme conservation efforts by the US government, the population today now sits at 350,000 and growing 10%-17% per year. It will take several decades for the buffalo to regain its previous large population.
Tanzania is amidst a crisis with elephants currently. From 2009 to 2014, their elephant population reduced from 109,000 to 43,000, losing 60% of their prized elephants, as poachers exploit the area.
Evolution is fighting back to save elephants. In recent years, tusk less elephants have been born. Rising from 18% to 51% of wild elephants since 1992. In well protected environments, such as a zoo, there are only 2% of elephants born without tusks. Elephants in wild do rely on tusks for foraging, digging, etc. However, tusk less elephants have adapted to a more plant diet.
On another note, a full grown adult elephant can consume 600 pounds of food per day. Compared to the average human, an elephant can eat in 2 days what a person would eat in an entire year!
