A survey by TRAFFIC
has revealed a near trebling of the number of ivory items for sale in the past
18 months and a sharp rise in the number of outlets selling ivory in Bangkok.
The quantity of ivory found far exceeds the limited supply available. Thailand
permits legal trade in ivory from domesticated Asian Elephants in Thailand.
This is the loophole used by unscrupulous elements.
“As TRAFFIC’s latest
market research demonstrates, Thailand’s efforts to regulate local ivory
markets have failed: it is time for the authorities to face the facts—their
nation’s ivory markets continue to be out of control and fuel the current
African Elephant poaching crisis. Without swift and decisive action to address
glaring legal loopholes, this unacceptable situation will continue,” said Naomi
Doak, TRAFFIC’s Co-ordinator for the Greater Mekong region.
The findings are
published in TRAFFIC report: Polishing
off the ivory: Surveys of Thailand’s ivory market
If you are interested
in reading the report click HERE
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