“Cape Town – Money from illegal ivory is thought to be funding many rebel groups and militias in Africa where on average an elephant is killed every 15 minutes, according to a report released last week.

Like “blood diamonds”, the illegal trade is now being referred to as “blood ivory”.

The report, released by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (Ifaw), speaks of a “geographical nexus” between the illegal wildlife trade and violent criminal and militant activities.

Called “Criminal Nature”, the report says the illegal wildlife trade has ceased to be only a conservation issue but has become a threat to global security. It calls on world governments to elevate their fight against it to the level of other serious international organised crimes like human trafficking and the drug trade. Ifaw is the first NGO to become a partner with Interpol to fight the illegal trade.”

Source: IOL Scitech

To read full article:  http://www.iol.co.za/scitech/science/environment/is-blood-ivory-money-funding-rebels-1.1537386