EU bans ivory trophy imports from Tanzania and Mozambique

EU chiefs have ordered the ban on elephant hunting trophies from Tanzania and Mozambique
because of the threat posed to the animals by poachers. There is already a ban on importing the
trophies from Zambia. The decision was taken by an EU scientific committee, which rules on
whether hunting trophy imports are sustainable.

Previously, Tanzania and Mozambique were each permitted to export tusks from 100 elephants
every year into the EU as hunting trophies. However, both countries have seen a significant
decline in elephant numbers due to soaring levels of poaching.  Tanzania has lot 65% of its
elephant population in just five years and currently only has 43000 elephants in total in the
whole country.

Mozambique has similarly lost around 50% in just five years and may only have 13000 elephants
left.

The European Union’s decision is the latest milestone in the campaign to crack down on the
slaughter of thousands of rare beasts every year by poachers who sell ivory and skins for huge
profits.

- See more at: http://africageographic.com/blog/eu-bans-import-of-hunting-trophies-from-
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