Elephant decline: downward trends in African elephant distribution and numbers (part ii)

Abstract
East African ivory exports prove that elephant mortality rose between 1925 and 1975, confirming Kingdon's1 reported declines from contracting range. Exports rose even when ivory values fell or were low. No correlation exists between variations about the means of ivory price or production trends. Apparently price does not drive production. Other large mammals and forests which do not produce ivory decline in concert with elephants, calling for a general explanation. Competitive exclusion (of which economics are part) is suggested and conservation failures are attributed to not meeting the costs of keeping areas free from human competition.