Amboseli Elephants Super Tuskers Victim to Trophy Hunting
The past months have witnessed the demise of five Super Tuskers, magnificent bull elephants boasting tusks weighing at least 100 pounds, near the Tanzanian border with Kenya. The greater Amboseli ecosystem, known as a sanctuary for these colossal creatures, is now grappling with the unsettling trend of targeting these ecologically and economically vital animals. The proximity of these giants to humans, fostering a sense of familiarity, makes their loss even more poignant. The urgency of addressing this critical issue cannot be overstated.
Contrary to the belief held by hunters that old bulls are beyond their reproductive prime, research indicates that these elephants only achieve consistent reproduction around the age of 40, a point at which 75% of them may have already passed away. This underscores the disproportionate importance of older bulls in breeding. Beyond reproduction, mature males play a crucial social role by maintaining order among younger, more spirited males and curbing their aggression.
trophy hunters are known to pay up to $300,000, for the opportunity to bag one of these majestic bulls.
SUPER TUSKER, ULYSSES
(Died of natural causes)
Elephant tusks, a hereditary trait, play a crucial role in the genetics of these majestic creatures.
Super tusker elephants, with their exceptionally large tusks, contribute significantly to the gene pool. If we continue to deplete the population of super tuskers through hunting and poaching, we risk diminishing the presence of these magnificent genes in future generations.
The extinction of super tuskers could ultimately result in a loss of the genetic diversity that contributes to the iconic image of large-tusked elephants, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts to safeguard these incredible animals and their unique genetic heritage.
The economic value of living elephants to local economies is substantial. A study reveals that an average elephant attracts $1.6 million in tourism spending over its lifetime, with even higher economic contributions expected for Super Tuskers. Preserving these majestic creatures not only safeguards their unique social dynamics but also sustains the economic benefits they bring to the regions they inhabit.
DETAILS ABOUT THE HUNT
Five awe-inspiring super tusker elephants met a tragic end through trophy hunting in the West-Kilimanjaro area of northern Tanzania encompassing the Enduimet Wildlife Management area, adjacent government-owned land, and private ranches. One of the hunters has been identified as Rick Warren, of Warren Wildlife Gallery in Austin, Texas.
Further adding to the enigma, both groups of hunters opted for an unconventional approach by incinerating all three elephant carcasses, a decision seemingly aimed at preventing the identification of the elephant bodies.
In the latest update on the ongoing trophy hunting of Amboseli super tuskers along the Kenya/Tanzania border, the Amboseli Trust for Elephants has made a significant identification. The first trophy-hunted bull, Gilgil (pictured above by ATE), has been positively identified as a breeding super tusker at the age of 35. Gilgil was on the brink of entering his prime reproductive years, as male elephants typically reach their breeding peak at around 40 years of age. Reports indicate that Gilgil boasted remarkable tusks, with one weighing 99 pounds and the other 110 pounds.
Despite the disturbing nature of these events, current information indicates that the necessary permits were in place for both trophy hunts, raising questions about the existing regulatory framework and its effectiveness in safeguarding these majestic creatures.
In the dwindling realm of Africa’s super tuskers and the interconnected cross-border elephant population, a mere 50 to 100 majestic beings with tusks weighing 100 pounds or more remain. These gentle giants traverse the unfenced landscapes of southern Kenya and northern Tanzania, their existence threatened by the pervasive forces of the ivory trade, human-wildlife conflict, and the ominous specter of trophy hunting, as exemplified in Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Regulations in Tanzania prescribe a minimum tusk size for trophy-hunted elephants but turn a blind eye to the maximum tusk or body size. Scientific studies affirm that the West-Kilimanjaro region in Tanzania and Amboseli in Kenya constitute a unified ecosystem, with renowned tuskers like Craig and Tee-Jay freely roaming this expansive, unfenced expanse.
In the Amboseli Ecosystem, renowned for its breathtaking vistas and diverse wildlife, a mere ten super tuskers remain. Despite this already dwindling population, the recent grant of three hunting licenses for elephant hunts casts a dark shadow over the region’s conservation efforts. Following these legal hunts, the number of super tuskers in Amboseli stands at a precarious ten, highlighting the urgent need for stricter measures to protect these magnificent creatures. Amboseli’s elephant population stands as one of the world’s most protected, undergoing the scrutiny of the longest-running population study. Habituated to human presence, these elephants attract tourists to Amboseli National Park, ranking it among Kenya’s top three most-visited national parks.
Recent satellite collaring of eight young Amboseli males reveals their extensive range, transcending borders into Tanzania’s Enduimet, Tinga Tinga, and beyond. Cynthia Moss, director of Amboseli Trust for Elephants, emphasizes the cross-border nature of their territory during an email discussion with Africa Geographic.
The ethical debate surrounding sport-hunting elephants persists, with policies varying across Africa. Targeting ‘super-tuskers’ is particularly ill-advised for several reasons. Genetic scarcity emerges from centuries of selective removal, with only a handful of elephants boasting tusks weighing 100 pounds or more. Long-term research underscores the breeding value of males aged 40–54, with older males in musth exhibiting the highest reproductive success.
Older bulls, regardless of tusk size, play crucial roles in elephant society by imparting wisdom to younger counterparts. The economic value of these elephants in the Greater Amboseli Ecosystem is staggering. While the trophy fee to hunt a large elephant in Tanzania fetches approximately $20,000, the lifetime value of an average elephant from tourism is estimated at $1,607,625. Killing one of these last remaining giant elephants for the benefit of a single hunting operation appears not only economically unwise but ethically reprehensible, especially considering the profound trust these habituated elephants place in humans due to rigorous protection and frequent interactions with tourists. The discourse on the morality of hunting such highly social, intelligent beings gains even greater urgency in this context.
In the realm of endangered species, African Savannah elephants stand on the brink of extinction, their existence hanging by a thread. Classified as endangered on the IUCN Red Data List, these majestic creatures face an onslaught of threats, from habitat loss to relentless poaching for the illegal wildlife trade. Despite these daunting challenges, the haunting specter of trophy hunting still looms over their fragile populations. Can we, in good conscience, allow future generations to inherit a world where these magnificent beings are mere memories? How will we justify the senseless slaughter at the hands of affluent trophy hunters to our children and grandchildren, amid the backdrop of other pressing threats? It’s a moral dilemma that demands urgent action and unwavering commitment to ensure the survival of these iconic creatures.
Contact the United States Fish and Wildlife Service: scientificauthority@fws.gov and managementauthority@fws.gov
Reach out to the Tanzanian Ambassador/Embassy of your country: Urge them to take action against this issue. The US Tanzania embassy: ubalozi@tanzaniaembassy-us.org
SOURCES: BIG LIFE AFRICA, AMBOSELI TRUST FOR ELEPHANTS
The elephants featured on the banner are Vronsky and Tee-Jay, and they have not yet been recognized in the trophy kills.
