Endangered Species Day - 17th May 2024
Endangered Species Day is observed globally on the 3rd Friday of May every year, to both raise awareness of the continued plight of endangered species and celebrate those that have recovered because of conservation efforts.
Nature and wildlife are a constant inspiration for my artwork and, as such, I am passionate about raising awareness. I keep an eye out for "notable days" such as these as an opportunity to research and share what I learn.
For Endangered Species Day this year, I am shining a light on Elephants...
Note: The sources for this blog are listed at the end, with links, if you want to learn more.
Mr Wrinkles
Pictured above is Mr Wrinkles...
🐘 Named after one of my daughter's favourite childhood books.
🐘 Drawn from a reference photo taken by my Mum on safari in South Africa.
🐘 The original drawing was a gift to my Mum and is beautifully framed in her sitting room;
🐘 Mr Wrinkles was one of the first (A3) prints and greetings cards I had produced....
So, for all of these reasons, he holds a very special place in my heart
Elephant Conservation Facts
🐘 Once common throughout Africa and Asia, elephant populations have experienced significant declines over the last century.
🐘 The greatest threat to African elephants is poaching for the illegal ivory trade, while Asian elephant populations are most at risk from habitat loss and resulting human-elephant conflict.
🐘 While some populations of African elephant are secure and expanding, primarily in southern Africa, numbers are continuing to fall in other areas, particularly in central Africa and parts of East Africa. With an estimated 415,000 elephants left on the continent, the species is regarded as vulnerable, although certain populations are being poached towards extinction.
🐘 Asian elephant numbers have dropped by at least 50% over the last three generations, and they’re still in decline today. With only 40,000-50,000 left in the wild, the species is classified as endangered.
🐘 It is critical to conserve both African and Asian elephants since they play such a vital role in their ecosystems as well as contributing towards tourism and community incomes in many areas.
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