China Just Banned Ivory Sales, And That’s Massive Step For The Protection Of Elephants Around The World

By the end of 2017, all ivory trade in China will be banned, as per Chinese government’s new rule.  Aili Kang, Asia Director of the Wildlife Conservation Society, wrote: “This is great news that will shut down the world’s largest market for elephant ivory. I am very proud of my country for showing this leadership that will help ensure that elephants have a fighting chance to beat extinction.”

As of today, 20,000 to 30,000 elephants are killed for poaching purposes each year. The savannah elephant population has decreased by 30% in the last 7 years, and now there are less than 400,000 wild elephants in Africa. The ivory usually ends up being sold in Asia, with China being the leading consumer. Therefore, the Chinese ban on the ivory sales is a truly significant move for the world’s elephant population.

More info: State Council China (h/t: buzzfeed)

By the end of 2017, all ivory trade in China will be banned

“This is great news that will shut down the world’s largest market for elephant ivory”

“I am very proud of my country…that will help ensure that elephants have a fighting chance to beat extinction”

As of today, 20,000 to 30,000 elephants are killed for poaching purposes each year

The savannah elephant population has decreased by 30% in the last 7 years

Now there are less than 400,000 wild elephants in Africa

Source: boredpanda.com