The role of ivory in the survival of the African elephant

The unique chequered pattern of polished ivory has created a perverted commercial demand for elephant tusks. The morphologic basis of the pattern, which makes ivory a sought after product for the manufacturing of works of art, is discussed. Chemical analyses of ivory holds great potential in tracing...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inSADJ (Houghton) Vol. 60; no. 10; p. 426, 430
Main Authors Raubenheimer, E J, Ngwenya, S P
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published South Africa 01.11.2005
Subjects
Africa
Animals
Commerce
Conservation of Natural Resources
Dentin
Elephants - anatomy & histology
Fibrillar Collagens
Genetics, Population
Incisor - anatomy & histology
Incisor - chemistry
Odontoblasts - cytology
Africa
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Summary:The unique chequered pattern of polished ivory has created a perverted commercial demand for elephant tusks. The morphologic basis of the pattern, which makes ivory a sought after product for the manufacturing of works of art, is discussed. Chemical analyses of ivory holds great potential in tracing the source of illegally harvested tusks and exposing poorly managed elephant sanctuaries. The impact of uncontrolled ivory hunting on the population genetics of the African elephant is briefly reviewed.
ISSN:1029-4864