The Kenyan authorities have seized more than two tons of elephant tusks and horns Rhino hidden in a shipment of avocados would be exported to Malaysia.
"The burden, illegally declared fresh avocado was packed in 12 wooden boxes, which drew attention by way of packaging, weight and destination, "said the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said in a statement.
The KWS is investigating the origin of the 317 tusks and five horns, though they believe that most were taken from animals killed by natural causes. The agency has expressed concern however is increasing illegal trade of animal products from Kenya to the Middle East and Asia. This year, shipments have been intercepted like in Thailand, Vietnam and Hong Kong.
Poaching is also increasing alarmingly. In 2009, without permission killed 204 elephants and 13 rhinos, compared with 94 and 5, respectively, a year earlier. Kenya's elephant population is 38,000 and it is estimated that each year between 200 and 300 die naturally.
Kenya has refused to abolish the nine-year ban on selling ivory agreed by Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, against the request of some African countries with growing elephant populations. In 1989, poaching reduced the number of the elephants to 17,000 in eastern Africa.
Via The Country
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