×

Tie aid to curbing slaughter of elephants in those African countries

Elephants seem to be doing well in some African countries, but they are being slaughtered by poachers at an alarming rate in others.

The total population of African elephants is declining at a rate of 8 percent a year, according to a recent study. At that rate, they will become an endangered species within a few years.

Poachers seem to operate with relative impunity in six countries, to judge by the new survey. They are Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cameroon and Angola.

All receive U.S. foreign aid. In fact, the first three countries are among the top 15 recipients of such assistance, raking in a combined total of more than $1.5 billion a year.

Why not tie that aid to recipients’ efforts to curb the slaughter of elephants – which surely are worth some help from U.S. taxpayers?

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today