News of China’s recent ban on ivory trading has delighted most conservationists. It comes as another step on the journey to save elephants from poaching and extinction. Globally, China is one of the worst culprits, yet last year it announced it would close roughly half of its licensed commerce. While being a stride in the right direction, there is an argument that this is only restricting the ‘legal’ trade, and estimates show that around 90 per cent of all ivory sold in China is illegal, meaning the ban could have little effect. However, as eminent zoologist Iain DouglasHamilton says, “It does not mean that the [issue] ends overnight. But I do believe that this is a critical step to end the excessive killing of elephants for ivory.”
JACK ANDREW CRIBB