The senseless killing of elephants only for their tusks is the major threat to the species. There is a significant black market for ivory in various parts of the world ("medicinal/aphrodisiac" purposes) which makes it very profitable to "harvest" the tusks. ...
What should Africa do with its ivory?Questions to ask (in addition to the ones above):
A Kenyan delegation is in Brussels to stop Zambia and Tanzania trying to sell nearly 120 tonnes of ivory.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) will debate the two proposals in March. If allowed, the sale will be the third "one-off" auction of ivory since the world ban, 20 years ago last week. Tanzania and Zambia intend to spend the money from the auctions on conservation measures. But wildlife organisations are concerned that the levels of poaching will rise unless there is a blanket ban on the sale of ivory worldwide...Should countries be allowed to sell ivory they already possess? How should African countries deal with stockpiles of ivory? Should the ban on ivory be lifted? Who should benefit from the sale of ivory?
1. Using supply and demand analysis, how would the selling of the ivory on the open market affect the price of ivory?
2. Would this policy increase or decrease poaching?
3. Is the demand for ivory elastic or inelastic?
4. Could elephants benefit from the lessons of The Tragedy of the Commons? If so, how?
If it's on the OPEN market the price would drop. If poachers are getting less money, they would poach less. right?
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