GEOGRAPHIC VARIATIONS IN THE COMPOSITION OF IVORY OF THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT (LOXODONTA-AFRICANA)

Tracing the source of origin of illegal ivory will contribute to the i dentification of poorly managed game parks and facilitate steps taken to prevent the African elephant from becoming extinct. This study was aimed at establishing a database on the composition of ivory obtained from elephant sanctuary areas in Southern Africa. Fragments of elephan t ivory from seven geographically distinct areas in South Africa, Nami bia and Botswana were analysed for inorganic and organic content. A to tal of 20 elements was detected in the inorganic fraction of ivory, so me in concentrations as low as 0.25 mu g/g. The concentrations of calc ium, phosphate, magnesium, fluoride, cobalt and zinc showed statistica lly significant differences (p < 0.007) between ivory obtained from di fferent regions. Analyses of the organic fraction identified 17 amino acids. Ivory from arid regions showed significantly lower proline plus hydroxyproline content and under-hydroxylation of lysine residues. Th is study indicates that chemical analyses of ivory could be beneficial in tracing the source of illegal ivory. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd . All rights reserved.