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CITES Regulates Ivory Trade
The Convention for International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) was founded. It also begins work on regulating the international ivory trade, banning or regulating most commercial trade -
Endangered Species Act
United States passed the Endangered Species Act allowing the United States to volunteer efforts to protect endangered species -
Ivory Trade Regulations Fail
CITES finds that regulations put on the ivory trade failed since the number of African Elephants have dropped from 1.3 million in 1978 to 600,000 in 1988 -
African Elephant Conservation act of 1988
United States passed the African Elephant Conservation act of 1988, allowing for the banning of ivory imports into the United States -
Full Ban of Ivory Trade
CITES fully bans international ivory trade -
Mudumu National Park Founded
The largest animal reserve in Africa is founded, setting aside 85,000 acres for animal conservation. This reserve is currently the largest one in Africa, though it is just one of many reserves in Africa today -
Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee Founded
Elephant Sanctuaries begin appearing in United States in the 1990's, including the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee founded in 1995 -
CITES Allows One-Time Ivory Trade Deal
CITES allows a one-time ivory trade deal of government stockpiled ivory in Zimbabwe and Botswana to China. This has unforeseen consequences since it increases demand for ivory products in China. -
African Forest Elephants Officially "Discovered"
DNA tests finally prove African Forest Elephants are a completely different species from African Savanna Elephants and aren't just a subspecies as previously assumed. Scientists estimate the split in the species to have occurred 2-7 million years ago -
China Biggest Market for Illegal Ivory
CITES concluded that China is the biggest market for illegal ivory from poached Asian and African elephants. -
Number of Poached Elephants
According to African Wildlife Foundation, approximately 8% of the African Forest Elephant population was hunted or poached -
Current African Forest Elephants
Experts estimate that African Forest Elephants have lost 75% of their original natural habitat to deforestation, causing them to be confined to the Congo in central Africa along with parts in South Africa. Their current population is also estimated to be around 200,000 rather than it's original 2 to 3 million
