After careful examination of trade and other statistics, notably in Hong Kong and Japan, which are the two major importers of African elephant ivory, the authors calculated average tusk weights and estimated the number of elephants involved in Africa's raw ivory exports. They conclude that previous estimates of the number of African elephants killed have been exaggerated.

n I 1981 the authors reviewed all the information then available to them on the world ivory trade to determine the number of elephants represented by Africa’s raw ivory exports. Their findings were published in Oryx in February 1982. Since then they have been able to collect and analyse more data, which has permitted a more accurate assessment of the situation up to the end of 1982. Contrary to their earlier conclusions, they expect the output in ivory to remain high throughout the coming decade.

Although it is a poor country, Nepal has been responsible for one of the greatest rhino conservation success stories. In 1968 its population of greater one-horned rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis was estimated at 81–108 individuals; by 1990 the population had increased to 400, a tremendous achievement for a country with very limited financial resources. However, in 1990 the government collapsed and the enforcement of law and order was not very effective. Rhinos were poached for their horns and tigers for their bones. Poachers started poisoning rhinos, apparently copying the methods used previously for killing nuisance tigers. The author, who visited Nepal in 1991, reports on these new threats and discusses what needs to be done to remedy the situation.

The greater Indian rhinoceros, on the verge of extinction in India 80 years ago, has recovered dramatically with conservation help. In 1980 there were 1250 in the country. At about that time, however, poaching suddenly started to become a serious problem, and since then over 200 animals have been killed. The authors explain why and suggest how this reverse could be stopped.

These extracts from a memorandum by two scientists resident in Kenya describe the desperate situation to which poaching has brought the black rhino in East Africa. Dr Hillman is Chairman of the IUCN/SSC African Rhino Group.