14-Carbon demonstrates that some illegal ivory is being taken from government stockpiles.

The 14-carbon in animal tissues records the time that the tissues are formed; since the 1960s, using the "bomb curve" for 14C, the age of animal death can be determined accurately. Using animal tissue samples of known collection and formation dates for calibration, we determine the age of ivory samples from four ivory seizures made by law enforcement agencies between 2017 and 2019. The 14C measurements from these seizures show that most ivory in the illegal wildlife trade is from animals from recent poaching activities. However, one seizure has a large fraction of ivory that is more than 30 y old, consistent with markings on the tusks indicating they were derived from a government stockpile.

First report of an Ivorian family with nonsyndromic hearing loss caused by GJB2 compound heterozygous variants.

The primary etiology of congenital hearing loss is attributed to genetic factors, with GJB2 identified as a pivotal gene across diverse ethnic groups. Additionally, nonsyndromic hearing loss is predominantly inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. We used Sanger sequencing to analyze GJB2 in 17 deaf children from 13 unrelated Ivory Coast families. One family had two children born with severe congenital deafness and exhibited pathogenic compound heterozygous variants. These variants included a nonsense substitution (c.132G > A or p.Trp44Ter) and a newly discovered duplication of 7 base pairs (c.205_211dupTTCCCCA or p.Ser72ProfsTer32). Segregation testing confirmed these variants, marking the first identification of GJB2 in an Ivorian family with congenital hearing loss.

Optix and cortex/ivory/mir-193 again: the repeated use of two mimicry hotspot loci.

The extent to which evolution is repeatable has been a debated topic among evolutionary biologists. Although rewinding the tape of life perhaps would not lead to the same outcome every time, repeated evolution of analogous genes for similar functions has been extensively reported. Wing phenotypes of butterflies and moths have provided a wealth of examples of gene re-use, with certain 'hotspot loci' controlling wing patterns across diverse taxa. Here, we present an example of convergent evolution in the molecular genetic basis of Batesian wing mimicry in two Hypolimnas butterfly species. We show that mimicry is controlled by variation near cortex/ivory/mir-193, a known butterfly hotspot locus. By dissecting the genetic architecture of mimicry in Hypolimnas misippus and Hypolimnas bolina, we present evidence that distinct non-coding regions control the development of white pattern elements in the forewing and hindwing of the two species, suggesting independent evolution, and that no structural variation is found at the locus. Finally, we also show that orange coloration in H. bolina is associated with optix, a well-known patterning gene. Overall, our study once again implicates variation near the hotspot loci cortex/ivory/mir-193 and optix in butterfly wing mimicry and thereby highlights the repeatability of adaptive evolution.

Molecular epidemiology of non-falciparum Plasmodium infections in three different areas of the Ivory Coast.

BACKGROUND: Malaria is a major public health problem, particularly in the tropical regions of America, Africa and Asia. Plasmodium falciparum is not only the most widespread but also the most deadly species. The share of Plasmodium infections caused by the other species (Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium malariae) is clearly underestimated. The objective of the study was to determine the molecular epidemiology of plasmodial infection due to P. malariae and P. ovale in Côte d'Ivoire. METHODS: The study was cross-sectional. The study participants were recruited from Abengourou, San Pedro and Grand-Bassam. Sample collection took place from May 2015 to April 2016. Questionnaires were administered and filter paper blood samples were collected for parasite DNA extraction. The molecular analysis was carried out from February to March 2021. A nested PCR was used for species diagnosis. The data was presented in frequencies and proportions. RESULTS: A total of 360 patients were recruited, including 179 men (49,7%) for 181 women (50,3%). The overall Plasmodium positive rate was 72.5% (261/360). The specific index was 77.4% and 1.5% for P. falciparum and P. malariae in mono-infection, respectively. There was also 15% P. falciparum and P. malariae co-infection, 3.4% P. falciparum and P. ovale co-infection and 2.3% P. falciparum, P. malariae and P. ovale triple-infection. Typing of P. ovale subspecies showed a significant predominance of P. ovale curtisi (81.2% of cases). CONCLUSION: Plasmodium falciparum remains the most prevalent malaria species in Côte d'Ivoire, but P. malariae and P. ovale are also endemic mostly in co-infection. Malaria elimination requires a better understanding of the specific epidemiological characteristics of P. malariae and P. ovale with a particular emphasis on the identification of asymptomatic carriers.

Dentin Particulate for Bone Regeneration: An In Vitro Study.

The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the commitment and behavior of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) seeded onto two different grafting materials, human dentin particulate (DP) and deproteinized bovine bone matrix (BG), with those cultured in the absence of supplements. Gene expression analyses along with epigenetic and morphological tests were carried out to examine odontogenic and osteogenic differentiation and cell proliferation. Compressive testing of the grafting materials seeded with DPSCs was performed as well. DPSC differentiation into odontoblast-like cells was identified from the upregulation of odontogenic markers (DSPP and MSX) and osteogenic markers (RUNX2, alkaline phosphatase, osteonectin, osteocalcin, collagen type I, bmp2, smad5/8). Epigenetic tests confirmed the presence of miRNAs involved in odontogenic or osteogenic commitment of DPSCs cultured for up to 21 days on DP. Compressive strength values obtained from extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesized by DPSCs showed a trend of being higher when seeded onto DP than onto BG. High expression of VEGF factor, which is related to angiogenesis, and of dentin sialoprotein was observed only in the presence of DP. Morphological analyses confirmed the typical phenotype of adult odontoblasts. In conclusion, the odontogenic and osteogenic commitment of DPSCs and their respective functions can be achieved on DP, which enables exceptional dentin and bone regeneration.

Viral and bacterial factors of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the tenth leading cause of death worldwide. Mother-to-child transmission of HBV occurring mainly at delivery remains one of the most common routes of infection in developing countries. One of the main challenges concerning HBV in Africa is to implement a prevention policy aiming at interrupting the cycle of pseudo-vertical transmission of this infection. The aim of this study was to assess the implication of certain bacterial and viral factors in mother-to-child transmission of HBV. This prospective study was conducted on 165 pregnant women carriers of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and their 169 newborns who attended care at the Gynecology Department of the University Hospital of Cocody. Serological, molecular, and bacteriological analyses were performed on blood samples and vaginal secretions. Mean viral load (VL) was 4.5 ± 1.3 log10  IU/ml, while mean HBsAg titres were 3.5 ± 0.9 log10  IU/ml. HBV DNA was found in vaginal secretions in 13.3% of mothers and in the blood of 10.3% of the newborns. Six bacterial species were identified in the vaginal discharge of pregnant women during labour before delivery. Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis were the most frequent species found in 23.0% and 13.9% of cases. Mothers positive for vaginal HBV DNA displayed higher plasma HBV DNA loads than negative mothers (6.2 ± 1.6 log10  IU/ml vs. 4.3 ± 1.0 log10  IU/ml, p < .0001). In conclusion, our study showed that presence of HBV DNA in vaginal secretions and the presence of S. aureus could play a role in mother-to-child transmission of HBV. HBV DNA detection in vaginal discharge represents a promising biomarker to identify newborns at risk of perinatal persistent infection.

Feasibility and outcomes of low-dose and low-frequency prophylaxis with recombinant extended half-life products (Fc-rFVIII and Fc-rFIX) in Ivorian children with hemophilia: Two-year experience in the setting of World Federation of Haemophilia humanitarian aid programme.

INTRODUCTION: In sub-Saharan Africa, access to clotting factor concentrates (CFCs) is often extremely limited and published data on people with haemophilia on prophylaxis are almost not existent. AIMS AND METHODS: To assess the feasibility, barriers and outcomes of a low-dose and low-frequency prophylaxis with extended half-life (EHL) recombinant Fc fusion FVIII and FIX in Ivorian children on a two-year period in the setting of the World Federation of Hemophilia's (WFH) humanitarian aid programme. RESULTS: Twenty-five boys with haemophilia were included. Mean (SD) age at inclusion was 5.6 (2.5) years. The median [range] follow-up duration was 17 [11-24] months. Regimen of prophylaxis was 20 IU kg-1 1×/week in haemophilia A and every 10 days in haemophilia B. We observed a maximal reduction by 87.6% of the annual spontaneous joint bleeding rate and a slight decrease in the total HJHS scores (p = .047). Adherence problems related to parents' low education level and shortage in CFCs were the main issues to carry out the programme. Inhibitors occurred in 12.5%. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the feasibility and efficacy of low-dose and low-frequency prophylaxis in young Ivorian children with haemophilia treated with EHL CFCs donated through the WFH humanitarian aid programme. This work also highlights the crucial role of adherence and the need for appropriate education to achieve prophylaxis. Finally, it reminds the paramount objective of achieving self-sufficient, sustainable and available haemophilia replacement therapy for all worldwide.

Poacher-population dynamics when legal trade of naturally deceased organisms funds anti-poaching enforcement.

Can a regulated, legal market for wildlife products protect species threatened by poaching? It is one of the most controversial ideas in biodiversity conservation. Perhaps the most convincing reason for legalizing wildlife trade is that trade revenue could fund the protection and conservation of poached species. In this paper, we examine the possible poacher-population dynamic consequences of legal trade funding conservation. The model consists of a manager scavenging carcasses for wildlife product, who then sells the product, and directs a portion of the revenue towards funding anti-poaching law enforcement. Through a global analysis of the model, we derive the critical proportion of product the manager must scavenge, and the critical proportion of trade revenue the manager must allocate towards increased enforcement, in order for legal trade to lead to abundant long-term wildlife populations. We illustrate how the model could inform management with parameter values derived from the African elephant literature, under a hypothetical scenario where a manager scavenges elephant carcasses to sell ivory. We find that there is a large region of parameter space where populations go extinct under legal trade unless a significant portion of trade revenue is directed towards protecting populations from poaching. The model is general and therefore can be used as a starting point for exploring the consequences of funding many conservation programs using wildlife trade revenue.

Discrimination of highly degraded, aged Asian and African elephant ivory using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE).

BACKGROUND: Elephant populations have greatly reduced mainly due to illegal poaching for their ivory. The trade in elephant products is protected by national laws and CITES agreements to prevent them from further decline. For instance, in Thailand, it is illegal to trade ivory from African elephants; however, the law allows possession of ivory from Asian elephants if permission has been obtained from the authorities. As such, means of enforcement of legislation are needed to classify the legal status of seized ivory products. Many DNA-based techniques have been previously reported for this purpose, although all have a limit of detection not suitable for extremely degraded samples. AIM: We report an assay based on nested PCR followed by DGGE to confirm the legal or illegal status of seized ivory samples where it is assumed that the DNA will be highly degraded. METHOD AND RESULTS: The assay was tested on aged ivory from which the assay was tested for reproducibility, specificity, and, importantly, sensitivity. Blind testing showed 100% identification accuracy. Correct assignment in all 304 samples tested was achieved including confirmation of the legal status of 227 highly degraded, aged ivories, thus underlining the high sensitivity of the assay. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: The research output will be beneficial to analyze ivory casework samples in wildlife forensic laboratories.

Practical example of multiple antibody screening for evaluation of malaria control strategies.

BACKGROUND: Ongoing efforts to fight Plasmodium falciparum malaria has reduced malaria in many areas, but new tools are needed to monitor further progress, including indicators of decreasing exposure to parasite infection. Sero-surveillance is considered promising to monitor exposure, transmission and immunity. METHODS: IgG responses to three antigen biomarkers were evaluated in a retrospective study involving: (i) surveys of 798 asymptomatic villagers from 2 Senegalese endemic settings conducted before 2002 and after the 2013 intensification of control measures, and (ii) in 105 symptomatic individuals from different settings in Côte d'Ivoire. Response to up to eight P. falciparum antigens, including recombinant MSP1p9 antigen and LSA141 peptide, were analysed using multiplex technology and responses to whole P. falciparum schizont extract (SE, local strain adapted to culture) were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: MSP1p9 and LSA141 IgG responses were shown to be relevant indicators monitoring immune status in the different study sites both from Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal. Between 2002 and 2013, individuals participating in both studies showed higher decline of sero-positivity in young (< 15 years: range 12% to 50%) than older (> 15 years: no decline to 15%) individuals from Dielmo and Ndiop. A mathematical sero-catalytic model from the complete Dielmo/Ndiop survey was used to reconstruct declining levels of sero-positivity in more detail, demonstrating that anti-SE seroprevalence levels most accurately reflected malaria exposure in the two villages. CONCLUSION: For standard screening of population immune status at sites envisaging elimination, the use of ELISA-based assays targeting selected antigens can contribute to provide important epidemiologic surveillance data to aid malaria control programmes.

Ideal xenograft or a perfect bone substitute?-A retrospective review and analysis of the historical concept of ivory implants in orthopaedics.

PURPOSE: Surgical treatment of fractures has evolved with the development of anaesthesia in 1846. Experiments with different implants both organic and non-organic had led to introduction of sometimes extremely peculiar materials coming from different species like ox bone or elephant's ivory. The aim of this article is to present not widely known concept of ivory use in bone surgery that set its foot in the history of orthopaedics and laid foundations for orthobiologic reconstructions. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of articles and books published between 1846 and 2017 that describe various examples of ivory application in the treatment of fresh fractures, non-unions and reconstruction of joints. RESULTS: Our research shows that ivory to the surgical world was introduced by Friedrich Dieffenbach, founder of the modern plastic surgery. It was also used with different rate of success by many of the famous surgeons of the nineteenth and twentieth century to include Trendelenburg, Billroth, Volkmann, Paget and Hey Groves. Ivory was immensely popular in bone surgery and became material of choice demonstrating amazing biological properties and very low rate of infections. CONCLUSION: Ivory has served well in successful treatment of various orthopaedic conditions for over 100 years. In this article, we are using history as a stepping stone to examine material that is not rejected by the body and promotes bony healing without increased infection or other complications. It is worth considering further analysis of historically acquired specimens for further development of materials for further orthopaedic fracture and reconstructive techniques.

Response to "The imaginary 'Asian Super Consumer': A critique of demand reduction campaigns for the illegal wildlife trade".

In a recent paper in Geoforum, Margulies et al. (2019) outline what they perceive as a bias toward an "Asian super consumer". They argue that wildlife trade demand reduction campaigns are unfocused, untargeted, and therefore have a tendency to place blame on people of colour and communities in the Global South as key actors in driving illegal wildlife trade. As researchers and practitioners, we have been studying the demand for wildlife and wildlife products for many years. While we agree that it is vitally important to consider the cultural nuances of illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade and to operate in a manner that is respectful toward different cultures, we believe that the authors have overlooked the fact that modern wildlife trade demand reduction campaigns are already conducting in-depth research and using it to target their campaigns to specific groups.

Acetic acid bacteria (AAB) involved in cocoa fermentation from Ivory Coast: species diversity and performance in acetic acid production.

In this study, we investigated the diversity of AAB from fermenting cocoa and the production of acetic acid in response to various environmental conditions. Ribosomal 16S gene sequence analysis and PCR-RFLP showed a restricted microbiota mainly composed of Acetobacter pasteurianus, Acetobacter tropicalis and Acetobacter okinawensis sp., consistently found in all six regions studied. Meanwhile Acetobacter malorum, Acetobacter ghanensis and Gluconobacter oxydans were isolated as minor species in specific regions. The dominant species were mainly isolated in the first 72 h period of natural cocoa fermentation while the minor species were present toward the later stages. Acetobacter okinawensis, a newly isolated species, was able to yield an unusually high quantity, up to 62 g/L of acetic acid at 30 °C. However, a shift of temperature to 35 °C severely impaired acid production in most strains of this species. While acetic acid production increases for up to 6 days in Acetobacter okinawensis and Acetobacter pasteurianus, it decreases beyond 4 days in Acetobacter tropicalis strains. The production of acetic acid was strongly dependent on environmental conditions, with optimal production between pH 4 and 5, under ethanol concentration below 8% and temperatures above 35-40 °C, corresponding to conditions prevailing in the first half of fermentation process. Acetobacter tropicalis was more productive at higher ethanol concentration and Acetobacter okinawensis at low pH. Species diversity and different behavior of strains highlight the importance of valuable starter selection for well-controlled cocoa fermentation.

Schistosoma haematobium-Schistosoma mansoni Hybrid Parasite in Migrant Boy, France, 2017.

Schistosomiasis is frequently detected in persons entering Europe. In 2017, we detected a Schistosoma mansoni-Schistosoma haematobium hybrid parasite infection in a migrant boy from Côte d'Ivoire entering France. Because such parasites might be established in Europe, as illustrated by an outbreak on Corsica Island, vectors of these parasites should be investigated.

Haemophilia in Côte d'Ivoire (the Ivory Coast) in 2017: Extensive data collection as part of the World Federation of Hemophilia's twinning programme.

INTRODUCTION: In sub-Saharan African countries, research on haemophilia is limited. Since 2015, a partnership has been established through the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH)'s twinning programme between the haemophilia treatment centre (HTC) of the Centre Hospitalier universitaire of Yopougon in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, and the Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc of Brussels, Belgium. AIM: This study sought to collect accurate, and detailed demographic, clinical, and laboratory data on the whole identified Ivorian haemophilia population. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in 2017 in Yopougon's HTC. Participants were assessed through multidisciplinary workups including interviews, logbook review, pedigree establishment, clinical examination and laboratory testing. RESULTS: Data on 81 patients with haemophilia (PWH) (78 severe and moderate) were collected. Postcircumcision bleeding was the most common diagnosis reason (32%). Mouth bleeds and skin wounds accounted for 55.2% of bleeds. Pedigrees revealed 63 deaths in affected relatives among 33 families. Most PWHs (76.5%) were treated on demand, and 21% had never been exposed to clotting factor. Non-substitutive therapies (tranexamic acid [43%], physiotherapy [11%] and DDAVP [0%]) were underused. Overweight was uncommon. Knees were the most clinically affected joints at the Hemophilia Joint Health Score. Inhibitors were present in 7.8% of previously treated PWHs. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the value of simple, feasible and inexpensive tools to collect data in the Ivorian haemophilia population and provides the basis for developing and implementing locally appropriate strategies to improve screening, diagnosis, preventive care, treatment and education. It demonstrated the WFH twinning programme benefits for haemophilia care in the developing world.

Antenatal visits are positively associated with uptake of tetanus toxoid and intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy in Ivory Coast.

BACKGROUND: Malaria and tetanus infections among pregnant women represent two major public health problems in sub-Saharan Africa. Optimum use of Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) and immunization against tetanus among pregnant women during antenatal care (ANC) visits are recommended strategies to prevent these issues. Despite these recommendations, many women in Africa remain deprived of these cost-effective and life-saving interventions. In this study, we aimed to examine the prevalence of women using these two services, and the association between women's uptake of IPTp-SP and tetanus toxoid (TT) with antenatal care use in Ivory Coast. METHODS: This study was based on the fifth round of Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS 5) conducted in Ivory Coast in 2016. Participants were 9583 women aged between 15 and 49 years. Outcomes were TT and Intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP). Data analysis was conducted using bivariate and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: In this study, the prevalence of taking TT immunization and IPTp-SP drugs was 81.97 and 17.83% respectively. Of the participants who took these drugs at all, the prevalence of taking adequate doses of TT immunization was 78.75% and that of IPTp-SP was 35.46%. In the multivariable analysis model, higher age groups, 25-29 years (OR = 2.028, 95%CI = 1.120-3.669) were found to be positively associated with uptake of adequate doses of IPTp-SP drugs. Women who attended at least four ANC visits had higher odds of taking IPTp-SP drugs (OR = 1.656, 95%CI = 1.194-2.299) and TT immunization (OR = 2.347, 95%CI = 1.384-3.981), and also had higher odds of receiving adequate doses of IPTp-SP drugs (OR = 3.291, 95%CI = 2.157-5.020) and that of TT immunization (OR = 1.968, 95%CI = 1.398-2.771). The odds of taking IPTp-SP drugs were significantly higher among women with primary (OR = 2.504, 95%CI = 1.020-6.146) and secondary/higher education (OR = 3.298, 95%CI = 1.343-8.097) compared to those with no education. Also, women with higher parity had lower odds of taking TT immunization (OR = 0.218, 95%CI = 0.055-0.858) compared to those with lower parity. Findings from this study also revealed that the odds of taking adequate doses of IPTp-SP drugs were significantly lower among participants from Mandé du Nord ethnicity (OR = 0.378,95%CI = 0.145-0.983) compared to those from other ethnicities. CONCLUSION: In this study, uptake of IPTp-SP drugs was much lower than TT immunization. High number of ANC visits were found to be significantly associated with taking IPTp-SP drugs and TT immunization and also with that of taking them in adequate doses. Vaccination promotion is necessary to protect pregnant women and reduce adverse health outcomes among the newborn in Ivory Coast.

[Influence of the knowledge of patients consulting at the Treichville antirabies Center on adherence to post-exposure prophylaxis]. / Influence des connaissances des patients consultant au centre antirabique de Treichville, Côte d'Ivoire, sur l'observance de la prophylaxie post-exposition.

AIM: Human rabies is a major public health problem in many African countries, including Ivory Coast. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of human rabies knowledge on compliance with post-exposure prophylaxis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study from September 2014 to May 2015 at the Abidjan Rabid Center, Treichville. After having given their consent, were interviewed, patients who came for a first consultation and who gave a mobile phone number available for the appointment reminder after abandoning or not starting the post-exposure prophylaxis. Data were processed with Epi Info version 3.5.3. Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: A total of 744 patients were interviewed. Men accounted for the majority (58.2%) of those surveyed, with a sex ratio (M/F) of 1.7. The average age of patients was 24.55 (±17.3) years. The analysis showed that 42.6% (317/744) of the interviewees had heard of human rabies. However, having heard of human rabies did not influence adherence to post-exposure prophylaxis (P>0.05). Nevertheless, the post-exposure prophylaxis regimen was completed more often by subjects who knew that agitation is a sign of rabies than those who did not (ORa=0.4343, 95%CI=[0.204-0.925]). Subjects knowledgeable about disease transmission (animal bites) were less likely to continue their post-exposure prophylaxis than those unaware of this relationship (ORa=8.544, 95%CI=[1.002-72.869]). CONCLUSION: The main factors identified in this study that influenced the observance of post-exposure prophylaxis were knowledge of the manifestation of human rabies (signs of agitation) and of the mode of transmission of this disease (animal bites). With a view for better prevention against human rabies, rural and urban populations should be informed, educated and sensitized about this 100% life-threatening but vaccination-preventable disease.

[Between tradition and modernity, traditional medicine and nursing in Ivory Coast]. / Entre coutume et modernité, médecine traditionnelle et soins infirmiers en Côte d'Ivoire.

As is the case in many African countries, traditional medicine is deeply rooted in the Ivorian culture and healthcare system and has long been the only form of medical care available. In line with the WHO's strategy, the Ivorian health authorities provide a framework and practice guidelines in order to limit aberrations and facilitate a form of patient care which combines both traditional practices and conventional medicine.

Inter-generational change in African elephant range use is associated with poaching risk, primary productivity and adult mortality.

Repeated use of the same areas may benefit animals as they exploit familiar sites, leading to consistent home ranges over time that can span generations. Changing risk landscapes may reduce benefits associated with home range fidelity, however, and philopatric animals may alter movement in response to new pressures. Despite the importance of range changes to ecological and evolutionary processes, little tracking data have been collected over the long-term nor has range change been recorded in response to human pressures across generations. Here, we investigate the relationships between ecological, demographic and human variables and elephant ranging behaviour across generations using 16 years of tracking data from nine distinct female social groups in a population of elephants in northern Kenya that was heavily affected by ivory poaching during the latter half of the study. Nearly all groups-including those that did not experience loss of mature adults-exhibited a shift north over time, apparently in response to increased poaching in the southern extent of the study area. However, loss of mature adults appeared to be the primary indicator of range shifts and expansions, as generational turnover was a significant predictor of range size increases and range centroid shifts. Range expansions and northward shifts were associated with higher primary productivity and lower poached carcass densities, while westward shifts exhibited a trend to areas with higher values of primary productivity and higher poached carcass densities relative to former ranges. Together these results suggest a trade-off between resource access, mobility and safety. We discuss the relevance of these results to elephant conservation efforts and directions meriting further exploration in this disrupted society of a keystone species.

Reach and messages of the world's largest ivory burn.

Recent increases in ivory poaching have depressed African elephant populations. Successful enforcement has led to ivory stockpiling. Stockpile destruction is becoming increasingly popular, and most destruction has occurred in the last 5 years. Ivory destruction is intended to send a strong message against ivory consumption, both in promoting a taboo on ivory use and catalyzing policy change. However, there has been no effort to establish the distribution and extent of media reporting on ivory destruction events globally. We analyzed media coverage of the largest ivory destruction event in history (Kenya, 30 April 2016) across 11 nation states connected to ivory trade. We used an online-media crawling tool to search online media outlets and subjected 5 of the largest print newspapers (by circulation) in 5 nations of interest to content analysis. Most online news on the ivory burn came from the United States (81% of 1944 articles), whereas most of the print news articles came from Kenya (61% of 157 articles). Eighty-six to 97% of all online articles reported the burn as a positive conservation action, whereas 4-50% discussed ivory burning as having a negative impact on elephant conservation. Most articles discussed law enforcement and trade bans as effective for elephant conservation. There was more relative search interest globally in the 2016 Kenyan ivory burn than any other burn in 5 years. Ours is the first attempt to track the reach of media coverage relative to an ivory burn and provides a case study in tracking the effects of a conservation-marketing event.