Table of Contents
Why is trade in ivory illegal?
Ivory trade was banned in 1989 by the Convention for International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), an international agreement between 181 governments to ensure that trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
Why do people want elephant tusks?
Hunting for Ivory Ivory poaching for tusks is the main reason that elephants have been so heavily hunted. Elephant ivory has been used in huge amounts to make billiards balls, piano keys, identification chops and many other items for human enjoyment.
Why do poachers want elephant tusks?
Ivory, which comes from elephant tusks, is considered very valuable. Because of the high price of ivory, poachers illegally kill elephants so that they can take their tusks and sell them. Tens of thousands of elephants are killed each year for their tusks, and as a result, elephant populations have declined rapidly.
What does ivory symbolize?
Mankind has revered ivory as a symbol of chastity, opulence and virtue since very early in history. Early carvers worked with the tusks of mastodon, mammoth, rhino, hippo, walrus, narwhal and modern elephants.
When was ivory outlawed?
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) decided to end international ivory trade in 1989. This year marks thirty years since the ban entered into effect, on January 18, 1990.
What is the spiritual meaning of ivory?
By Contributing Writers – May 22, 2003. Mankind has revered ivory as a symbol of chastity, opulence and virtue since very early in history.
Why was the ivory ban put in place?
A. The new U.S. ivory ban will legally close most ivory trade in the U.S. to protect elephants. It essentially prohibits all commercial import, export, and interstate trade of African elephant ivory with some narrow exceptions.
Are there any states that prohibit the sale of Ivory?
Contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife by State to check the requirements. As of the time of this writing, New York, New Jersey, Washington State, California and Hawaii for example PROHIBIT the sale of ivory completely. If you’re in those states, you’ve got your answer.
When did the International Trade in Ivory end?
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) secured an agreement in 1989 among its member states to ban the international trade in ivory.
Why are there legal markets for elephant ivory?
A. Legal domestic ivory markets are an enforcement challenge and often serve to provide cover for the laundering of ivory from illegally killed elephants in Africa. Currently only a small percentage of illegal ivory and other wildlife products is confiscated at our borders.