Fears for future of African elephant as UN prepares to legalise China ivory sales

 

AP

Conservationists warn that if China becomes an approved ivory trading partner, African elephants "will be shot into extinction".

Succumbing to the massive Chinese demand for ivory carvings and trinkets is likely to give an enormous boost to the illegal, poaching-based trade, conservationists have warned.

They say if China becomes an approved ivory trading partner, African elephants "will be shot into extinction".

China is expected to be given the green light by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) at a meeting in Geneva on Tuesday. The upcoming auction of 108 tonnes of ivory, which China would be able to participate in, is also likely to be given the go-ahead. In previous sales, only Japan had been allowed to take part.

Fears for future of African elephant as UN prepares to legalise China ivory sales - Telegraph