Ivory trafficking in Africa controlled by a powerful few (AFP)
49 minutes ago
Washington (AFP) - Ivory trafficking in Africa, which threatens the survival of elephants, is highly concentrated in a few geographic hotspots and controlled by a powerful few, say scientists who use DNA analysis to track the illegal wildlife trade.
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"Probably one or two major dealers... are moving all of this ivory out transit out of Mombasa, which the biggest transit area in Africa right now," said Wasser, referring to Kenya's second largest city.
DNA analysis has helped crack down on traffickers, though far more needs to be done to eliminate the sophisticated transnational trade.
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Wildlife trafficking is the fourth largest international criminal activity after weapons, drug and human trafficking, experts say.
This illegal commerce brings in a staggering 20 billion dollars each year, of which three billion is accounted for by ivory.
Link: http://news.yahoo.com/ivory-trafficking-africa-controlled-powerful-few-063812098.html
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