Ivory poaching could wipe out elephants and rhinos ‘by 2034’

Elephants and rhinos could be extinct within two decades, campaigners are warning ahead of marches across the world to call for greater protection for the two species. Thousands of people are expected to take to the streets in Europe, the U.S., South America, Africa and Asia for the Global March For Elephants And Rhinos tomorrow, with events in London, Bristol, Birmingham and Edinburgh in the UK. Wildlife campaigners warn that, with around 35,000 elephants and 1,000 rhinos killed each year as demand for ivory and rhino horn drives spiralling rates of poaching, both species are potentially within two decades of becoming extinct.

There are many grave issues facing the world. The potential extinction of these beautiful species is yet another. It is senseless and pitiless, driven by greed, vanity and ignorance. It is a fight we must win. Our grandchildren are relying on us.

BBC Radio 5 Live’s Nicky Campbell

The global march is calling for measures to tackle the problem, including a full worldwide ban on the trade of ivory and rhino horn. Campaigners are also calling for ivory and rhino shops and carving factories to be closed down with immediate effect, implementation of tougher penalites for wildlife crime, and urgent strengthening of law enforcement in the countries where the animals are found and the products are being consumed. Sir David Attenborough, Sir Richard Branson, Rory Bremner, Joanna Lumley, Stephen Fry, Ricky Gervais, Damon Albarn and Michaela Strachan are among the high-profile names who have given messages of support to the march.

World elephants ivory