I have known Esmond Bradley Martin for many years.  His murder is a real shock.  Esmond’s untiring commitment to fighting the illegal trade in ivory was unrivaled. The conservation community has lost a remarkable ally. His persistence and courage were boundless, and it is certain that his work resulted in the arrest of many illegal traffickers and the saving of many elephant lives.  It is particularly tragic that his death comes so soon after the murder of Wayne Lotter in Tanzania last year, another man who was indefatigable in his fight against the ivory trade. My thoughts and prayers are with Chrysee Martin, their family and all those who put their lives on the line to protect endangered animals.