Wildlife officials in India put an end to this elephant tusk trafficking operation.
What happened?
An anti-trafficking raid resulted in the seizure of two large elephant tusks, per Ommcom News.
Both tusks were over 2 feet long and "believed to be the result of the killing of at least one elephant," the outlet reported.
Three individuals were arrested in connection with the tusks and booked on offenses of violating the Wild Life Protection Act 1972. Officials continued their investigation into the trafficking ring.
"Further investigation will be taken in coordination with other agencies and police. All involved in the smuggling will be arrested," Keonjhar forest officer H. D. Dhanraj told The Times of India.
Why is this discovery concerning?
Unfortunately, poaching — the illegal catching or killing of animals — is not uncommon.
Poachers and traffickers obtain, breed, trade, harm, and kill animals, usually for financial gain.
The illegal wildlife trade is both prolific and profitable. According to the World Animal Foundation, it is "valued at $7-23 billion a year, kills 20,000-plus African elephants annually, and has wiped out over 12,000 African rhinos since 2008."
Repeated trafficking of a species can put it at risk of extinction. The most common victims of poaching — elephants, rhinos, pangolins, sharks, tigers, and gray parrots — are all considered endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
What's being done to prevent poaching?
Investigations, raids, patrols, and border inspections can halt trafficking operations and put criminals behind bars. Harsher punishments — including increased fines and longer jail times — can deter other criminals from engaging in poaching.
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For animals such as elephants and rhinos, conservationists may safely remove their tusks or horns, making them useless to poachers and saving the creatures' lives.
To support anti-poaching patrols, consider donating money to causes that involve conservation and protection.
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