Elephants have enlarged teeth called tusks or incisors. Tusks have two parts. The first two-thirds is ivory which is visible. The hidden and contains tissues and nerves.
Tusks are very important for an elephant. It works as a weapon against other elephants/ animals while fighting and protects them from any potential hunter. They use it as a multi-purpose tool, to scratch off the bark from the trees, gather food and digging the ground. Tusks become a part of a trained elephant’s skill, they use it to lift heavy objects like logs of wood. Tusks perform the function of a shield, in defending the trunk of an elephant during a fight. Male elephants use tusks for socializing purposes like attracting females. In fact, males have bigger tusks than females.
Sadly, elephants are not the only ones benefitting from their tusks. Ivory used for making ornaments, billiard balls, piano keys and for showcasing exotic wealth. The ivory trade has been an ancient commercial business. However, its expansion has led to the endangerment of elephants leading to various bans and restrictions.
Ban on Ivory trade in Asia
- Japan and China are the biggest importers of ivory in the Asian ivory market and Hong Kong being the biggest ivory trade market.
- In 1975 trade of Asian elephants ivory was banned
- For intricate carving Asian elephants, ivory is preferred over African relatives
These restrictions are the various initiatives, to protect the life of an endangered animal. However, it is not enough, creating more awareness against such illegal trades will strengthen the cause of the protection of elephants. The happy giants should not have to fight for their right to live, alone.
Sharad Vats brings over three decades of rich safari experience across the Indian wilderness, leading a passionate team dedicated to delivering seamless and memorable wildlife journeys. With deep knowledge of jungle logistics—ranging from flora and fauna to experienced guides and skilled jeep drivers—he ensures that every safari is thoughtfully curated and effortlessly executed, offering guests an immersive and almost ethereal experience in the wild.
Over the years, Sharad has also spent extensive time assisting guests, curating personalized tours, and leading wildlife expeditions, combining operational excellence with a deep understanding of guest expectations.
Beyond tourism, he is an active contributor to the wildlife ecosystem. His initiatives include planting and maintaining thousands of trees, creating safe passages and corridors for tigers, and establishing solar-powered waterholes across Kanha and other national parks. He is equally committed to community development, supporting and adopting schools in nearby villages, reflecting a holistic approach to conservation and sustainable tourism.
