Compiled by Don Pinnock and Colin Bell, The Last Elephants is a lavishly
illustrated book with a strong conservation message.
The Africa-wide Great Elephant Census of
2016 produced shocking findings: a decimated elephant population whose numbers
were continuing to plummet. Elephants are killed, on average, every 15 to 20
minutes - a situation that will see the final demise of these intelligent,
extraordinary animals in less than three decades. They are a species in crisis.
This magnificent book offers chapters written by the most prominent people in
the realm of conservation and wildlife, among them researchers,
conservationists, film makers, criminologists, TV personalities and
journalists.
Photographs have been selected from among
Africa’s best wildlife photographers, and the Foreword is provided by Prince
William.
It is hoped this book will create awareness
of the devastating loss of elephant lives in Africa and stem the tide of
poaching and hunting; that it will inspire the delegates to CITES to make
informed decisions to ensure that all loopholes in the ivory trade are closed;
and that countries receiving and using ivory (both legal and poached) –
primarily China, Vietnam, Laos and Japan – ban and strenuously police its trade
and use within their borders, actively pursuing and arresting syndicate leaders
driving the cruel poaching tsunami.
CITES is a multilateral treaty to protect
endangered plants and animals.
“This book is also a tribute to the many
people who work for the welfare of elephants, particularly those who risk their
lives for wildlife each day, often for little or no pay – in particular the field
rangers and the anti-poaching teams; and to the many communities around Africa
that have elected to work with elephants and not against them. The Last Elephants - is the title
prophetic? We hope not, but the signs are worrying,” say Pinnock and Bell.
The impressive book is printed in hardback
- ISBN 9781775846840. Recommended price R490.
Posts
