"History has proven that markets drive the illegal trade in ivory, and the illegal trade in ivory drives the poaching of elephants, including those species protected by the Endangered Species Act. Simply put, the poaching of elephants for the ivory trade continues primarily because domestic markets for ivory still flourish." The Humane Society
TRAVELERS TAKE NOTICE
The continuing existence of ivory markets is one of the greatest threats to elephants today. When you buy ivory souvenirs, you’re likely buying ivory from an elephant that was slaughtered to supply the demand. Just say NO to ivory. Poachers would have no reason to kill if they had no one to supply .... LEARN MORE & BE PART OF THE SOLUTION!
Bali Elephant - photo by B.Seeton
FROM THE HUMAN SOCIETY ARTICLE:
Why does the ivory trade flourish in the United States? One reason is that U.S. ivory trade laws are confusing and riddled with loopholes. You may import elephant ivory classified as "antique" (more than 100 years in age) if you can produce documentation proving the ivory's age. You may import elephant ivory legally acquired before February 4, 1977. You may sell domestically any African elephant ivory legally acquired and imported before June 1989. You may import ivory from an African elephant in the form of a hunting trophy, but (as of 1990) you are not allowed then to sell the ivory.
Dealers who sell ivory domestically do not have to register, nor must they report sales. Even the Office of Law Enforcement of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the agency charged with intercepting illegally imported ivory, agrees that the law regarding hunting trophies--hundreds of which are imported each year--is unclear. READ MORE
