The African elephant is a species apart, a beautiful animal that inspires awe in any who see it. Safeguarding the future of this amazing animal is a mission our species cannot shirk. And the need for action is urgent because numbers are declining dramatically, driven by human greed for ivory.

Long prized for ornaments and jewellery, ivory is seen as a symbol of wealth and social status, particularly in east Asia. And in recent decades, poaching has reached devastating levels.

The numbers are stark — about 20,000 elephants are killed every year, or about 55 every day. The unthinkable could happen. Unless we take action to stop poaching, future generations will be deprived of one of the world’s most majestic and inspirational creatures.

African leaders