New information has been published Monday that describes an estimate of over 100,000 elephants being killed by poachers all across Africa from 2010 to 2012.

Killing African elephants has been known for years, but the recent study is the first to use scientifically gathered data and information to get an idea of how many elephants are actually slaughtered each year. 

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Reports show the demand for killing elephants has drastically increased because of the need for ivory, taken from the main part of the tusks, mostly in Asian nations including China. Ivory is used to make a variety of ornaments and other decorative items.

George Wittemyer of Colorado State University, the study's main author, reports that the black market price of ivory has skyrocketed - adding that people in China are now more willing to take criminal risks.

Just a decade ago, poachers were found to be responsible for 25 percent of all elephant deaths. However today, in shocking result from the study by elephant experts, that number has risen to 65 percent.

"The current demand for ivory is unsustainable. That is our overarching conclusion. It must come down. Otherwise the elephants will continue to decrease," said Iain Douglas-Hamilton, founder of Save the Elephants.

If measures aren't implemented soon to control the mass slaughters, it could very well lead to the extinction of the species soon into the future.

According to Chinese Ambassador Liu Xianfa, China is very aware of their demand-for-ivory problem and will increase publicity to help ensure people understand the drastically wrong reality of the underground illegal industry.

Wittemyer is very optimistic however and feels the elephant species will still survive despite the shocking numbers - showing emphasis on countries that are more willing to invest in wildlife security. 

TagsPoachers, George Wittemyer, African Elephants, ivory, Africa, Save the Elephants