Demand for ivory plummeting despite soaring prices: Study

The value of elephant ivory is plummeting throughout China despite soaring prices of the illegal tusks, data released by conservation group Save the Elephants shows.

Researchers indicate that raw ivory prices in the East Asian country have fallen by half over the past 18 months from $2,100 (Sh212,100) per kilogram to $1,100 (Sh111,100).

In the survey carried out in eight Chinese cities, the researchers observed that consumer demand for ivory is in apparent free-fall, with the Chinese government having delayed the issuance of IDs required to legally sell ivory.

According to conservationists, the new data coincides with broader awareness and changing attitudes in China, where public knowledge of Africa’s elephant poaching crisis increased between 2012 and 2014.

They say the Chinese government has made progressive steps to control the illegal ivory market, culminating in President Xi Jinping’s September announcement that China and the United States would work together to halt ivory trade.

“The ivory price collapse in China is much-needed good news for Africa’s elephants,” said WildAid CEO Mr Peter Knights.

“Though there is much work to be done, this is an essential first step in ending the poaching crisis. The banning of the market in China and the United States puts pressure on Hong Kong, Thailand and Japan to follow suit, and should encourage improved enforcement efforts in Africa, in places like Kenya and Tanzania.”

Since 2012, WildAid, Save the Elephants and African Wildlife Foundation have partnered on an extensive ivory public awareness campaign in China, led by icons such as former NBA star Yao Ming and actress Li Bingbing, who through billboards, public service messages and documentaries have been urging the Chinese public not to buy, give or accept ivory as a gift.

Conservationists noted that Chinese media partners such as CCTV and Xinhua have provided over $42 million (Sh4.3billion) in pro bono media placement and airtime to the campaign by broadcasting the messages to millions of people, saying that frequent airing of such messages play a great role in the fight against poaching.

Demand for total ban

The findings of the study is also good news to local conservationists who are now demanding China, Japan and Thailand declare a total ban on ivory trade.

“This is the most wonderful news we conservationists have ever received. However, we hope China and other countries from Asia will permanently ban ivory trade in their territories,” said Richard Vigne, chief executive Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

Mr Vigne said the decline of ivory value in China will ease the pressure on elephant poaching in Africa.

READ: Kenya steps up war on elephant poachers with satellite collars

Lewa Conservancy CEO Mike Watson says there are only 30,000 elephants left in the country with this number reducing at an alarming rate.

“We are using a lot of money in putting up security for these animals. If this money can be directed to other development projects, communities will gladly get motivated to take great care of wildlife,” he said.

However, Mr Watson said there is still great appetite for rhino horn, a trend that has seen their numbers continue to decline significantly.