In April, two “big tuskers” were killed in Botswana by trophy hunters.  These big tuskers were older male elephants, approximately 50 years of age, whose tusks weigh about 100 pounds each. 
 
There are only a few big tuskers left in Africa. 
 
Their presence in the wild WAS irreplaceable.  
 
As elephant populations globally are already being threatened, the repercussions from the loss of these two big tuskers will be noticeable because older male elephants generally father most calves.
 
Their loss will disrupt reproduction rates, among the myriad of other factors that threaten their species like poaching, human-elephant conflict, habitat fragmentation, and climate change.
 
Not only are their lives constantly under threat, we ARE currently living in the 6th mass extinction, where we are seeing species going extinct every day.  Will they be next?   
 
On a global scale, we are experiencing massive climate change. 
Elephants are part of the SOLUTION to climate change.  Their mighty presence as a keystone species helps with carbon sequestration.  According to a BBC report, the African elephant can sequester up to 9,5000 metric tons per year which is equivalent to emissions from over 2,000 cars. 
 
Let us not forget, elephants in the wild are worth more alive than dead.  Over an elephant’s lifetime, it is worth 1.6 million dollars for what it provides in eco-tourism. 
 
There is so much at stake, when an endangered species life like the elephant is taken away. 
 
Every life counts.  Every voice matters. 
 
Please sign and share this petition as our voice is stronger together!
 
With gratitude,
Nicole @ Wild For Change