Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 643, legislation which would re-authorize the African Elephant Conservation Act. I am pleased that today we are also considering H.R. 700 to reauthorize the Asia Elephant Conservation Act. These bills are vital to insuring the survival of one of the earth's ``flagship'' species.
Less than two decades ago, the African Elephant population teetered on the brink of extinction. Rampant poaching fueled by the black market trade of ivory and the encroachment of human development had reduced the once abundant population to a small trace of its former prosperity.
The African Elephant Conservation Act was enacted in 1988 in response to this crisis. The grants initiated under the act have dramatically reduced poaching by working with local communities to eliminate the illegal trade in endangered wildlife and to foster sustainable conservation practices.
At a time when we are confronting the loss of many species, every effort must be made in Congress to preserve species of plants, animals and their habitats throughout the world. We must continue to strengthen endangered species laws and to support the strongest possible measures to ensure the survival of the world's elephants and other wildlife populations.