The market for illegal ivory is predominantly driven by the demand in Asian countries such as China, Thailand, and Vietnam, where ivory is highly valued and sought after for cultural and traditional purposes. Despite an international ban on the trade of ivory, illegal ivory trade continues to thrive in these countries, fuelled by the high prices that ivory can fetch in the black market.
In China, ivory is considered a symbol of wealth and status, and is used for various purposes such as carving, jewelry, and traditional medicines. Despite government efforts to curb the illegal trade of ivory, the demand for this commodity continues to grow as a result of the country’s booming economy and increasing middle class. Thailand has also emerged as a significant market for illegal ivory, with traders illegally importing ivory from Africa and laundering it through the country’s legal markets.
The illegal ivory trade is also fuelled by the rise of e-commerce platforms, which have made it easier for smugglers to sell their products online and evade detection by authorities. In addition, the trade has been linked to transnational criminal organizations that use it to finance other illegal activities such as drug trafficking and terrorism.
Given the scale of the problem, several countries have taken significant steps to clamp down on the illegal ivory trade. China, for instance, has implemented a complete ban on ivory trading, which has led to a significant drop in the demand for ivory. In the United States, the Obama administration implemented a ban on the commercial trade of ivory in 2016, which has helped to reduce the demand for ivory in the country. However, more needs to be done to tackle the illegal ivory trade and protect the world’s elephant populations from extinction. This involves stronger international cooperation, increased law enforcement efforts, and raising public awareness of the devastating consequences of the illegal ivory trade to both wildlife and the environment.
What do poachers do with ivory?
Poachers illegally hunt and kill elephants for their ivory tusks, which is then sold on the black market for a high price. The primary use for ivory is in the production of traditional Asian medicines, where it is believed to have healing properties. However, ivory is also used extensively in the production of high-end decorative items, such as jewelry, ornaments, and sculptures. These products are highly sought after by collectors and can fetch large sums of money in illegal markets.
Despite the international ban on ivory trading, poachers continue to kill elephants on a large scale, primarily in Africa. The ivory trade fuels organized crime syndicates who smuggle tusks across international borders, often through corrupt channels. These syndicates operate with impunity and are responsible for the deaths of thousands of elephants every year, seriously impacting the population and endangering the species. The poaching of elephants for ivory has been deemed a major threat to the survival of the African elephant, with estimates suggesting that the population has decreased by 111,000 in the past decade.
In addition to the environmental impact, poaching also has a devastating impact on communities in Africa, who live in fear of being caught up in the crossfire between poachers and law enforcement officers. The revenue generated from poaching often funds criminal organizations, destabilizing local economies and leading to a rise in corruption.
Poaching for ivory is a complex issue that cannot be solved through simple enforcement. It requires collective action from governments, law enforcement agencies and NGOs to address the root causes of poaching, such as poverty and political instability. It is only by addressing these underlying issues that we can protect elephants from being poached for their ivory and ensure their survival for future generations.
Is ivory worth more than gold?
The value of ivory and gold differ in terms of the factors that determine their worth. While both of these materials have been historically sought after for their beauty, rarity, and durability, ivory and gold have different qualities that make them more or less valuable in various contexts.
Ivory, which is mainly sourced from elephant tusks, has been prized as a luxury material for centuries. Its natural cream color, fine-grained texture, and ability to be intricately carved have made ivory a desirable material for art objects, jewelry, and decorative items. However, the demand for ivory has also contributed to the serious problem of poaching and the decline of elephant populations. As a result, many countries have banned the trading of ivory, making it illegal to possess or sell ivory products. Despite this, the illicit trade of ivory still persists, driving up its value in black markets.
Gold, on the other hand, is one of the most valuable metals in the world. Its rarity, durability, and universal desirability have made it a symbol of wealth and power throughout history. Gold is also an important industrial material, used in electronics, medicine, and other applications. The price of gold fluctuates based on various market factors, such as demand, inflation, and geopolitical instability.
In terms of their current market values, gold is generally worth more than ivory. As of September 2021, the price of gold was around $1,800 per ounce, while the black market value of ivory ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 per pound, depending on the quality and origin of the tusks. However, the true value of ivory cannot be measured solely by its price, but also by its ecological and ethical implications.
While both ivory and gold have held significant cultural and economic value throughout history, their worth differs based on different factors. While gold is currently worth more in the market, the illegal trade in ivory also contributes to its high value in the black market, while also posing a significant threat to endangered wildlife. any evaluation of worth must take into account a range of social, economic, and ecological factors beyond just the price.