According to Will Travers, President of Born Free Foundation, legal one-off sales in elephant ivory were meant to reduce demand for ivory—but they actually worked to increase demand, and to increase the poaching of elephants. Now, completely ignoring this devastating outcome, plans are being discussed to legalize the sale of rhino horn. Travers argues: “To allow that to happen is simply insane, especially when we are fully aware of the likely consequences. We have seen what happened—and continues to happen—to elephants and in the ivory trade. We have a chance to choose a different path with rhino, one of compassionate conservation.”
Link: Business Day