28 Elephants Killed by Poachers in Cameroon: WWF Finds Decaying, Trunk-less Carcasses of Endangered Forest Animals at National Parks

Reports confirm that over the past several weeks, the World Wildlife Federation (WWF) recently found the carcasses of 28 decaying, trunk-less elephants in Cameroon's Nki and Lobeke national parks. Officials confirm that the large, endangered forest species were most likely killed by poachers for their precious ivory tusks - a valuable material in high demand throughout the region. Authorities claim that with the death of these 28 beautiful creatures, the population of the endangered forest elephants has been reduced by 62 percent in the last decade.

According to reports, hunters and poachers throughout the southeast Cameroon region have continued to seek out these endangered animals in response to the high demand for ivory from Asia. Such precious manufactured animal remains can sell for hundreds of dollars per kilogram.

"Elephants in these two protected areas in the Congo Basin are facing a threat to their existence," WWF Cameroon representative Zacharie Nzooh recently told Reuters. Nzooh insists that if swift actions aren't taken, approximately 2,000 or so remaining forest elephants could be gone in another decade. But stopping the heavily-armed poachers won't be an easy task - "The poachers used automatic weapons, such as AK-47s, reflecting the violent character of elephant poaching," Nzooh explains.

The WWF discovered the carcasses of 23 elephants killed between February 10-March 1 in Nki national park. Five more were discovered in Lobeke national park, located right to the east. All of the 28 elephants killed had been stripped of their trunks. Since the massive hunt, Cameroon authorities have deployed military helicopters and 600 soldiers equipped with night vision gear to protect the national parks.

Such prompt actions must be taken, or else dire consequences will result if these poachers aren't stopped. A recent study released by the Cites Bangkok summit shows that forest elephants are on the verge of extinction. According to Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) scientist Samantha Strindberg, "The analysis confirms what conservationists have feared: the rapid trend towards extinction - potentially within the next decade, of the forest elephant."

The best way to hinder elephant poaching would be to cut off the market for ivory trading.