According to the report, which was released a week ago, poaching is spreading primarily as a result of rising demand for illegal ivory in the rapidly growing economies of Asia, particularly China and Thailand, which are the two major end use markets globally.The report indicates that highly organised criminal networks operate with relative impunity to move large shipments of ivory off the continent and to markets in Asia. The prevalence of unregulated domestic ivory markets in many African cities, coupled with the large number of potential Asian buyers residing in Africa associated with infrastructure projects and resource extraction operations, also fuel the demand for ivory.
The report says the situation is further exacerbated in many countries by weak governance and collusive corruption at all levels, adding that poverty facilitates the ability of organised criminals to recruit, bribe or threaten locals and underpaid police, military personnel and wildlife rangers.The report also reveals that poachers are becoming better equipped, conducting more sophisticated operations, and are better supported by illegal traders and criminal networks. A variety of smuggling methods by land, river and sea are used. Currently, the vast majority of the seized ivory is shipped in containers by ocean vessels from African sea ports.
