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A GRAPHIC ACCOUNT OF THE ILLICIT IVORY TRADE

Tuesday, 5 August 2014

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Corruption and poverty make Africa an ideal haven for the bloody trade in elephant tusks. Looking at these maps one might get the impression that everyone is in on it. It certainly involves the entire spectrum of African society, from corrupt businessmen and government officials to people so poor they use primitive spears to bring down elephants. Be it legal or not, as long as there is demand for ivory, this graphic portrayal is unlikely to change.

 

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All maps created by Riccardo Pravettoni,
GRID-Arendal

 

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We're the Africa Geographic editorial team – a diverse set of writers, editors, designers and social media natives, all united by our passion for this addictive continent.

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