Biggest, Heaviest Tusks & Horns

[Spalea]

Beverly Joubert: " This impressive curve of ivory means so much to so many. For conservationists, it's a sign of hope that the special blend of genes responsible for such huge tusks may be passed on to future generations. For photographers and tourists, the tusks are a marvel to behold. But for poachers, the ivory is a prize – one that they will stop at nothing to get their hands on. Many tuskers like this once roamed the African plains, but now they only exist in small, scattered populations. In Botswana, we are seeing more and more tuskless elephants, an adaptation that the animals may have developed in response to poaching. While illegal killing is rampant across much of Africa, some big bulls do make it to a ripe old age, largely thanks to the tireless efforts of conservationists. Kenya recently lost one of its most iconic tuskers – an elephant named Tim who died of natural causes last week. Although this image is not of Big Tim, it's a reminder of the value and beauty of these savannah giants. And a plea to protect them. "

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