Over a period of eight years, between 1979 and 1987, Hong Kong’s mafia-style syndicates, owners of ivory carving factories with no feeling whatsoever for the plight of Africa’s elephants, imported about 4,000 tonnes of ivory from various African countries.

This sort of tonnage represented the slaughter of more than 400,000 of Africa’s elephants. Let us bear in mind that at the time of writing, 2015, that figures sums up to what is now considered left of Africa’s elephants – in all probability even less.

The carnage continues to this very day, with between 25,000 and 30,000 elephants being slaughtered annually by poachers, the killing of elephants outpacing the birth rate.

Wealthy king pins connected to Chinese triads control these syndicates that have connections with corrupt government, game department and customs officials.

Considering that during the 1970s Africa’s elephant population was approximately 1,500,000 it is obvious that poachers have won the ivory “war”.

Ivory carving factories continue to operate in China and Japan, turning out necklaces, bracelets, rings, chopsticks and other carvings, to be sold in licensed shops.

Bull elephants are most sought after by poachers, with the result that breeding bulls are becoming fewer and fewer.

During a female elephant’s life – if she lives out her natural lifespan – she may give birth to approximately six calves. They are not prolific breeders: there is usually a gap of six to seven years between each calf.

The world’s largest land mammal, the intelligent and gentle elephant, is in serious trouble. This book tells of the plight of Africa’s elephants and some of the author’s experiences. It is a plea for the elephants.

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