(FILES) This file photo taken on April 22, 2016 shows a Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) ranger as he stands guard at the burning site as elephant tusks are piled up onto pyres in preparation for a historic destruction of illegal ivory and rhino-horn confiscated mostly from poachers in Nairobi's national park. US authorities announced a near-total ban on the trade of African elephant ivory June 2, 2016, finalizing a years-long push to protect the endangered animals."Today's bold action underscores the United States' leadership and commitment to ending the scourge of elephant poaching and the tragic impact it's having on wild populations," Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell said. / AFP PHOTO / TONY KARUMBA