Illicit Trade in Ivory Tusks
The Environmental Investigation Agency, an international organization, reports:
- Tanzania has become the largest supplier of poached ivory.
- Tanzania recently has lost more elephants to poaching than any other country. In 2013, it lost 10,000 – or 27 a day.
- China is the largest importer of poached ivory.
- Chinese prize ivory for decorative and medicinal value.
- Because of its scarcity, ivory also is an investment commodity.
Sources: EIA and Associated Press