A surge in killing African elephants for ivory has led to the “majestic” animal’s numbers falling by more than 100,000 in a decade, conservationists warned.

Africa's savanna elephants could be wiped out, with their numbers falling rapidly, as ivory trades drive poaching across the continent, a study says.

Kenyan wildlife officers have started stacking 105 tons of ivory and one ton of rhino horns to make 12 towers which are to be torched at the end of the month to encourage global efforts to help stop poaching of elephants and rhinos.

Chinese authorities have destroyed 1,460lb of ivory that was seized after being smuggled in the country as part of a crackdown on the illegal trade.