Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Legalize The Sale Of Ivory

Trigger


I have recently read a few articles that suggested doing this. I hope to add references/links to these articles later.


Current System Of Prohibition



Strict prohibition of any hunting or sale of ivory from elephants or rhinoceros etc. has been the predominant approach to the conservation of ivory. Or is it the sale of mammoth tusks from Siberia?

Has this regime stopped poaching or sale of ivory? No!
Has it significantly reduced poaching? Doubtful!

Please do not get me wrong! Poaching should remain a despicable crime. Poachers and their enablers should be punished harshly.


Pros


As they say when you cannot beat them join them! :-)


The legalization of ivory sales would have a number of benefits:
  1. Reduction in the price of ivory, thus reducing the incentive for poachers etc.
  2. Husbandry and care of any species that grow ivory for commercial purposes
  3. More research of ivory growing species
  4. More animals available for entertainment etc.
  5. More protection for ivory growing species in the wild and in parks

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