IFAW: ivory seizure in Asia shows need for action against illegal trade
(London – April 19th, 2011) A massive haul of ivory – described as one of the biggest ever – of 707 tusks, 32 ivory bracelets and a rhino horn, has been netted in a routine patrol by Chinese officials.
The confiscation comes just two weeks after Thailand customs officials found 247 elephant tusks concealed inside a consignment of frozen fish from Kenya. IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare – www.ifaw.org) congratulates the Chinese authorities on this achievement but warns that this is just one shipment in a staggering illegal trade which threatens the continued existence of elephants in some countries.
IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare – www.ifaw.org) congratulates the Chinese authorities on this achievement but warns that this is just one shipment in a staggering illegal trade which threatens the continued existence of elephants in some countries.
“We congratulate the law enforcement officials for the successful interception of the ivory,” said Grace Ge Gabriel, IFAW Asia Regional Director. “However, we are concerned about the unrelenting demand for elephant ivory in China, where the price of ivory has increased dramatically in recent years. The high profit margin that can be gained in the illegal trade of ivory is fuelling rampant smuggling and trafficking.”
Chinese police say they confiscated the ivory, valued at around £11 million, in a highway inspection in Guangxi Province on April 10th.
“We have to reduce demand for ivory or we will never bring this bloody onslaught to an end,” continued Gabriel. “To break every link in this trade chain-from supply to trafficking to demand-needs high level political commitment from governments of the elephant range states and consuming countries to crack down on poaching, smuggling and the trade in ivory.”
In the UK, IFAW has launched an ivory surrender, encouraging the public to donate unwanted ivory to highlight the illegal ivory trade and raise awareness of the threats facing elephants. By donating ivory items, people can be sure this ivory will not end up on the market again or have a commercial value, thereby making a positive contribution to elephant protection. Anyone who would like to donate ivory to the surrender can email ivory@ifaw.org or call 020 7587 6700.
Robbie Marsland, Director of IFAW UK, said: “April 2011 has been one of the most disastrous months yet for elephants. In addition to the most recent confiscations of ivory in China and Thailand, 30 elephants were found dead in Chad last week, with their tusks hacked out by ivory poachers. The attackers also murdered a military official, who was apparently trying to protect the elephants.
“These seizures and poaching incidences highlight the importance of the Coalition Government sticking to its pledge to stop any further international sales of ivory. These sales have provided a smokescreen for illegal ivory to be laundered onto the market and this is driving poaching.”
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For further information please contact IFAW UK:
Tania McCrea-Steele, 020 7587 6709 or mobile 07801 613520, email tmccrea@ifaw.org
or
Kevin Flack, 020 7587 6710 or mobile 07769 657291 or email kflack@ifaw.org
About IFAW: Founded in 1969, IFAW (the International Fund for Animal Welfare) saves animals in crisis around the world. With offices in 15 countries, IFAW rescues individual animals, works to prevent cruelty to animals, and advocates for the protection of wildlife and their habitats.
