Cameroon Officials Torch 2,000 Poached Elephant Tusks

by
posted on April 20, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
tusks.jpg

According to the Associated Press, authorities in Cameroon burned 2,000 poached elephant tusks and other ivory goods near the capitol yesterday in what is likely the largest burning of poached wildlife goods in African history. Joining Cameroonian officials to light the match was America's own U.N. ambassador, Samantha Powers. Yet while they touted the ceremony as being symbolic of winning the war against illegal smuggling of animal products, central Africa's forest elephant population has steadily declined, dropping by two-thirds between 2002-2012.

"The burning sends a clear message, Powers said, "that the only place ivory belongs and the only value ivory has is on elephants."

Cameroonian officials claim the confiscated tusks alone weighed as much as 3.5 tons and that merchandise was worth millions of dollars. As noted in the article, ivory-burning ceremonies cause some to wonder why the valuable tusks aren't reused in some capacity given that the elephants were already poached. Nevertheless, the United States conducted it's own ivory-destruction ceremonies in 2013 and 2015.

Philip Ngole Ngwese, Cameroon's minister of forestry and wildlife, said the seized tusks and ivory were now "beyond reach." He also described the human costs of poaching, mourning several guides and park rangers who have been killed in recent years.

For the full article, click here

Latest

Success
Success

Building the Ultimate Elk Bow

Elk are remarkable creatures that dwell in some of the most hellish landscapes on earth. An elk bow needs to be tough, light, and ultra-accurate. Here's how to build the right one for you.

First Look: Spandau S2 20-Gauge

Spandau Arms, a brand of SDS Arms, has announced that the  Spandau S2 Shotgun is now available in a 20-gauge model in both a Mossy Oak Bottomland and a traditional wood finish.

Count Some Quail, Tally Some Turkeys

The Arkansas turkey season ended in May, but there’s still good reason for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to keep the birds in mind when they head out to their favorite hiking trail or drive the backroads of The Natural State. Outdoorsmen who scare up coveys of quail are welcome in the survey as well.

2025 Online Firearm Sales Continue to Grow

While nationwide firearm sales have held steady this spring, guns.com is reporting significant growth, surpassing 10-percent year-over-year gun sales growth in the first half of 2025, according to the company's internal data.

#SundayGunday: Henry Special Products Division HUSH

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the HUSH Series, from Henry’s new Special Products Division, SPD for short.

New for 2025: Federal’s Personal Defense HST .44 Rem. Mag.

Federal Ammunition has recently added a new HST .44 Remington Magnum “Light Magnum” load featuring a specially designed hollow-point bullet, ideal for those seeking HST performance for self-defense with magnum revolvers.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.