Elephant tusks are considered to be horns by many , but they are actually teeth(long incisor teeth ).

What needs to be looked for?

  • Tusks never stop growing during the elephant’s life.
  • Tusks are made of a material called dentin.
  • Elephant tusks are versatile tools forthe  daily survival of Elephants.
  • From finding food to protecting their families, tusks are essential for their life in the wild.
Interesting Fact

  • Elephants dominant tusk is often shorter because it gets more wear from daily use.
  • Elephant’s age and unique habits can be analysed using tusk morphology.

Statutory Provisions for Ivory

  • Wildlife protection act 1972, prohibits possession, trade, and commerce of ivory without strict government certification.
  • CITES which banned the international commercial trade of African elephant ivory

Source: The Hindu