Posted by on 11th August, 2016.
Tusks of elephants are their enlarged front teeth, also known as incisors. The visible part is only two-third of the actual tusk and is made of ivory. Along with that, one-third of the tusk is actually hidden inside the head of the elephant, which is like a pulp cavity 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. To top it all, tusks are even used for socialising purposes by male elephants. Since, males have larger tusks than females, so they use them to attract females.
Sadly, elephants are not the only ones benefitting from their tusks. The ivory in the tusks of elephants is used for making ornaments, billiard balls, piano keys and for display of 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
These restrictions are the various steps taken, in order 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.