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A fifth of elephants could be lost to poaching
Extinction fears as illegal killings in Africa are estimated at 22,000

New figures have revealed that if elephant poaching continues at its current pace, Africa could lose a fifth of its elephants in the next ten years.

Poaching data suggests that in 2012 alone, 15,000 elephants were killed illegally across the 27 African countries taking part in a CITES programme called Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE).

Revealing the new figures, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) says that according to MIKE analysis, the total number of elephants poached across the country as a whole is estimated at 22,000.

Secretary-general for CITES, John Scanlon, says the situation is "critical", fearing we could soon see local extinctions if poaching continues at the same rate.

He said: "The situation is particularly acute in Central Africa—where the estimated poaching rate is twice the continental average."

The latest figures were revealed as representatives for African elephant range, transit and destination countries gather in Botwana for a summit organised by IUCN and the government of Botswana.

It is hoped strong commitments will be made by delegates to take action to stop the illegal ivory trade, bolstering national laws tackling wildlife crime and improving co-operation between countries.

Dr Holly Dublin, chair of the IUCN/SSC African Elephant Specialist Group, said: "We are very pleased to be able to present updated information to the African Elephant Summit.

"The picture painted by this new information should provide motivation for all delegates at the Summit to come together to agree on much-needed urgent action on behalf of Africa’s elephants."

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FIVP launches CMA remedies survey

News Story 1
 FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.

The Impact Assessment will help inform the group's response to the CMA, as it prepares to submit further evidence to the Inquiry Group. FIVP will also be attending a hearing in November.

Data will be anonymised and used solely for FIVP's response to the CMA. The survey will close on Friday, 31 October 2025. 

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News Shorts
CMA to host webinar exploring provisional decisions

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is to host a webinar for veterinary professionals to explain the details of its provisional decisions, released on 15 October 2025.

The webinar will take place on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Officials will discuss the changes which those in practice may need to make if the provisional remedies go ahead. They will also share what happens next with the investigation.

The CMA will be answering questions from the main parties of the investigation, as well as other questions submitted ahead of the webinar.

Attendees can register here before Wednesday, 29 October at 11am. Questions must be submitted before 10am on 27 October.

A recording of the webinar will be accessible after the event.