Top ten things related to Ivory trade in the UK

United Kingdom’s ivory market has evolved and changed over time, However, it never goes out of demand.

Here are the top 10 facts related to global ivory trade and the role of the UK in it.

• On an average, one African Elephant loses its life every 25 minutes to yield ivory for you.

You may have been a fan of Islamic ivory all your life, but you would not have thought about it this way ever. It is estimated that poachers kill 20,000 African elephants for ivory every year. It calculates to 55 elephants per day and one elephant every 25 minutes.

Next, an unacceptable increase has been noticed after 2011.

• 20% of African elephants have lost their lives in the last ten years.

More than 11000 African elephants have lost their lives in the span of 10 years due to a dramatic surge in the demand for ivory. Most of them have been illegally killed to meet the increased consumption of ivory.

• International ivory trade is illegal

The international ivory trade was banned because of rampant elephant poaching. The trade was banned in 1990.

People are so fond of Islamic and Indian ivory that its illegal production continues till date.

However, there is an exemption on limited items such as antiques. The trade of antiques does not cause any harm to elephants.

• Ivory is in maximum demand in Asia

Ivory is mainly used for carvings and making jewellery and ornaments. It is seen as a status symbol in Asia, especially in China. Thailand and Vietnam are two countries where there are significant shops and markets dealing in legal, illegal ivory.

• The limited ivory trade is legal in the UK

The ivory trade is illegal in the UK but as discussed, there are some exemptions. However, trading antique items with a government-issued certificate are legal. Items deemed after the cut-off date in 1947 can be sold.

• Illegal ivory trade exists in the UK

When you will take a look at seizure data, you will realise that the UK plays an important role in sale, re-sale, import and export of ivory. In particular, UK plays the role of a transit country. The role of UK has increased in recent years.

• Ivory is legally exported from the UK

The UK has emerged as a significant ivory re-exporter for commercial pieces. More than 54000 pieces are sold, and it is no less than a dramatic increase.

• Ivory Trade control will be further tightened in the UK

The UK has witnessed an almost free trade of ivory as per the government announced plans between the year 1947 and 1990. The ban was imposed in September 2016. It is after this day the need for government issues certificate was imposed.

• Even more, restrictions are needed to control the UK’s ivory trade

The ban on ivory has been in great demand since long. Any contribution to this control will save many elephants from poaching. It will prevent the ongoing elephant poaching crisis.

• Other countries have also closed their legal domestic ivory markets

China has also ceased the ivory trading from the year 2017. Most of the countries will react to a total ban by 2021.