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Zimbabwe
has a large elephant population; Poachers target elephants for
their tusks which are then often smuggled to Asia for use in ornaments
(Image: AFP)
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Four people, including
one Malian national, have been arrested in Zimbabwe after 173kg (27 stone) of
ivory was seized at Harare International Airport over the weekend. The haul was valued at US$43,250
(£28,167) and was destined for Singapore.
Caroline
Washaya-Moyo, from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, said
such smuggling was a big problem for the wildlife officials.
BBC report continues:
Zimbabwe
National Parks Spokesperson Caroline Washaya-Moyo revealed that 22 elephants
have been found dead this morning, killed by cyanide poisoning at
Sinamatela-Chakabika within the Hwange National Park.
In
the last month about 40 elephants have been killed with cyanide in Zimbabwe -
some found without their tusks.
"We
are deeply worried about this development. We can't be losing elephants at this
rate," she said.
"This
now a worrying trend. We are now investigating whether it is just elephants
that have died as a result of cyanide poisoning. We suspect more species could
have been killed as well."
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