Stopping the ivory trade

  When I was in Budapest this winter, I saw an antiques store with a beautiful display of ivory in the window. At least that was my initial thought. Then my stomach turned.

  One piece was an ornate necklace. The other was a long and intricately carved tusk.  On the surface, they were attractive. But then I began to think about how that ivory ended up in Budapest.

  A century ago, 200,000 elephants roamed India. Now there are fewer than 30,000. That ivory represents the killing that has reduced elephants to endangered status. 

  I'm glad that China has finally banned sales of ivory, though there are many questions about the ban unresolved. But more countries need to join the ban. And we, as individuals, must think of the consequences of what we purchase.

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Tusker in southern India.