Hippos, Narwhals, Sperm Whales, and Orcas Get Protection from Trade in Ivory
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Loading... - Farida Jabrane
- 28 Jan 2025
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The UK government has announced an extension of the Ivory Act to include a ban on the import, export, and trade of ivory items derived from hippos, narwhals, orcas, and sperm whales. This move is part of broader conservation efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable species and curbing illegal wildlife trade.
Originally introduced to safeguard elephants, the Ivory Act now encompasses these additional species, reflecting the UK’s commitment to global conservation initiatives. The Environment Department (Defra) stated that individuals found violating the ban could face severe penalties, including unlimited fines or imprisonment for up to five years.
The government emphasized that closing domestic ivory markets is crucial for the conservation of these species, all of which are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). This international agreement aims to regulate and reduce trade in at-risk wildlife.
Among the newly protected species, the hippopotamus is particularly vulnerable to extinction due to the ivory trade, following elephants in terms of risk. Sperm whales and narwhals are also classified as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, while orcas, or killer whales, have not been sufficiently assessed to determine their conservation status.
These species face numerous threats from human activities, including pollution, shipping, armed conflict, and climate change. The ivory trade exacerbates these pressures, further jeopardizing their survival.
Mary Creagh, the international nature minister, hailed the ban as a significant milestone for wildlife conservation. She stated, “The poaching of these wonderful animals for their ivory is sickening, and this government will do all we can to end this horrible trade.” Creagh highlighted the Ivory Act as one of the toughest bans globally, showcasing the UK’s leadership in wildlife protection.
The new regulations follow extensive consultation and include limited exemptions for existing trade in artistic and cultural artifacts. While the law was initially set to extend to walrus ivory, the import and trade of walrus products are already prohibited under separate legislation concerning seal products, with specific exemptions.
This extension of the Ivory Act marks a critical step in the UK’s ongoing efforts to protect endangered species and combat the illegal wildlife trade, reinforcing the importance of global cooperation in conservation initiatives.
