Factsheet on endangered Species.

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Factsheet on endangered species: Elephants.
Elephants are among the biggest mammals to have ever graced the face of the earth. They are currently an endangered species at the verge of extinction. Their existence has been threatened mainly by human activities and cultures, which consider their tusks a valuable item making them subject to threats such as poaching. There are numerous societies and organizations that have emerged all over the world to help in the protection of elephants. Bulls reach a length of 18 to 21 feet and weigh up to 13,200 pounds, while cows are about two feet shorter and weigh half as much (World Animal Foundation ).
Facts
Population
There are about 400,000 – 600,000 elephants in the world today down from about 10 million early this century. There are about 400,000 African elephants and 40,000 for Asian elephants, although some organizations say these numbers are in reality, too high.
Threats
Loss of habitats and the existence of the ivory trade pose the biggest threat to the existence of elephants. The existence of the African elephant is presented by ivory trade. Another great threat to the existence of elephants the invasion of their habitat by human beings for agricultural purposes and settlement. This leads to conflicts between the humans and the elephants. Asian elephants lack the massive tusks as compared to their African counterparts and their endangered status can be attributed to loss of its habitat. Elephants require large pieces of land since they feed by crashing trees and other vegetation down and move to other fresh spots as the parts they have already covered regrow.

As the forests are diminished by the various human activities involved, the elephants run out of food and as time goes on, they form part of the problem by destroying all the vegetation in an area leading to depletion of the available resources. The black market demands for ivory, most of which are dominated by China is one of the biggest causes of illegal smuggling and poaching. Poaching has sky-rocketed in Kenya from 2007 and 2010. Since 2012, more than 400 elephants have been killed. In accordance with records provided by Guardian, 51 elephants had been slaughtered by poachers between January and April, 2014.
Societies, groups and programs in elephant protection.
There are many organizations that are involved in the protection of elephants from extinction. The following are a few of the organizations and a brief description of their work.
The Thai Elephant Conservation Center (TECC)
This organization takes care of more than 50 elephants living outside of Chiang Mai. They welcome tourism to the town, however, they are known for their scientific studies and conservation projects. TECC operates an Elephant Hospital and they conduct research on elephant reproduction.
The Elephant Conservation Network
This is conservation initiative that works in collaboration with the community. They are seeking a sustainable solution to human-elephant conflict around the Salakpra Wildlife Sanctuary in west Thailand. Its main goal is to secure Salakpra’s elephants’ futures and their forest ecosystem for the benefit of the local people and wildlife.
The Elephant Research and Education Center
This project was found by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Chiang Mai. It aims at conserving the Asian elephant as well as the elephant-related culture by conducting research and creating awareness about elephants among the locals.
Elephant Life Experience (E.L.E.)
This is a nature retreat where participants can create a good rapport with an individual elephant in their natural environment. In small groups, the participants get the opportunity for freedom, flexibility and time needed relate with nature, and learn more about elephants.
The Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation
The Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation’s main aim is to create a safe environment for endangered elephants or others that cannot work. They also create employment opportunities for mahouts and allow them to continue interacting with elephants and help preserve Thailand’s wild elephant herd.
Countries where hunting/harvesting of this species is banned
The countries where trade of ivory is banned are known as the CITEScountries. There are 181 members in the agreement. Some of the member countries include; Kenya, United States of America, South Africa, Botswana and Thailand (World Animal Foundation ).
Countries where hunting/harvesting of this species is prevalent.
The countries that have recorded a high number of elephant poaching and harvesting of elephant tusks include; Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Cameroon.
Elephants are the biggest and the most majestic animals that are currently in existence. Apart from the blue whale and other historical animals such as the dinosaurs, there have not been more animals bigger and with features that the elephants have to offer.They have distinct features to other animals and they therefore should be protected against all possible causes that seem to threaten their existence.
Works Cited
BIBLIOGRAPHY l 1033 Ishaq, M. Elephants Endangered Species Facts . 5 March 2013. Web. 14 May 2015.
World Animal Foundation . “Elephant FAct Sheet .” World Animal Foundation (2015): 1-2. Web.
World Wildlife Federation. Elephant . 2015. Web. 14 May 2015.
Appendices
Current location of African elephants SEQ current_location_of_african_elephants * ARABIC 1

The former location of African elephants SEQ The_current_location_of_Asian_elephants * ARABIC 1

Elephant ivories recovered in Kenya during smuggling