The majestic African elephants, particularly the “Super Tuskers” renowned for their exceptionally long tusks, face a critical threat from trophy hunting, sparking urgent calls for their protection on World Elephants Day.
Often observed in family groups, these magnificent creatures are a cherished tourist attraction in countries like Kenya and Tanzania. However, the Super Tuskers, known for their cross-border migrations between Amboseli National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro West, are increasingly targeted by hunters.
Dr. Paula Kahumbu, a prominent conservation advocate, highlighted the alarming decline in Super Tusker numbers, with four individuals falling victim to hunters in Tanzania within the past eight months. Only ten are estimated to remain, and their habituation further exacerbates their vulnerability to humans and vehicles in Amboseli.
“These are our Super Tuskers, the largest elephants in the world. They belong to both Kenya and Tanzania and they move freely across the border,” Dr. Kahumbu emphasized, urging President William Ruto of Kenya to address the issue.
Conservation organizations have rallied with a petition signed by over 500,000 people demanding an end to Super Tusker trophy hunting. They argue that these majestic animals, a vital part of Africa’s heritage, deserve protection, not exploitation.
The collaborative effort aims to secure the future of Super Tuskers by safeguarding their habitats and ensuring individual protection. Amboseli and Kilimanjaro West, historically serving as their shared home, require continued security regardless of seasonal movement.
The calls for a complete ban on trophy hunting licenses are reinforced by the devastating impact of this practice. While often legitimized, trophy hunting ultimately results in poaching, with only a negligible 3% of revenue contributing to conservation efforts. Research further reveals that trophy hunters primarily target prime breeding males with the largest tusks, disrupting the social structure and genetic diversity of elephant populations.
The plight of the Super Tuskers highlights the urgent need for comprehensive conservation policies and measures. Human expansion, particularly unsustainable urbanization, is shrinking their natural habitats, leaving them increasingly vulnerable.
The recognition that wildlife operates beyond national boundaries underscores the necessity for collaborative efforts to protect endangered species. Securing their habitats and safeguarding them from human encroachment are crucial steps towards ensuring their survival.
World Elephants Day serves as a stark reminder that Kenya and Tanzania must work together to safeguard their shared elephant population. The trophy hunting of Super Tuskers in Tanzania poses a grave threat to a precious transboundary population, demanding immediate action.
Lobbying groups are calling upon leaders in both countries to condemn trophy hunting, prioritizing the preservation of these magnificent creatures for future generations. The amplified calls for action from Presidents William Ruto and Samia Suluhu Hassan are essential to halt hunting and implement protective measures to ensure the continued survival of the Super Tuskers.
