Five Newly Protected Species Under Expanded Ivory Act

• New legal protections for five endangered CITES-listed species under the landmark Ivory Act 2018
• A significant manifesto promise fulfilled as part of the UK’s broader international conservation strategy

The hippopotamus, walrus, narwhal, killer whale (orca), and sperm whale are poised to gain increased legal protections under the UK’s pioneering ban on the import, export, and trade of ivory-containing items, as announced by the Government today (Tuesday, 23 May 2023) – fulfilling a crucial animal welfare manifesto pledge.

After elephants, the hippopotamus faces the highest risk from the ivory trade. The other species are already vulnerable due to climate change, and the ongoing trade in their ivory could heighten these risks, jeopardizing their long-term survival.

Positioning the UK as a leader in global conservation initiatives, the government’s consultation response today outlines plans to extend the Ivory Act 2018 to prohibit all dealings in ivory from these species, including imports and exports.

The UK’s Ivory Act is one of the most stringent bans on elephant ivory sales globally, featuring some of the toughest enforcement protocols. Individuals found violating the ban could face severe penalties, including unlimited fines or up to five years in prison.

Biodiversity Minister Trudy Harrison stated:

“This marks a critical juncture in fulfilling one of our primary manifesto commitments in international conservation.

“The Ivory Act is one of the strictest bans of its kind worldwide, and by extending robust legal protections to an additional five species, we convey a clear message: the commercial ivory trade is entirely unacceptable.

“The UK has long been a pioneer in conservation, and our ban exemplifies our ongoing global leadership in safeguarding the planet’s most endangered species.”

Steve Backshall MBE remarked:

“This constitutes a significant step forward in the conservation of these emblematic species.

Public support for the Ivory ban is widespread, and by extending it further today, we send a clear signal that there is no room in the UK for this abhorrent trade.”

Frances Goodrum, Head of Campaigns and Programmes at IFAW UK, commented:

“As we near the one-year mark since the implementation of the UK Ivory Act, we at IFAW UK are heartened by early signs that the ban is significantly impacting the trade in elephant ivory. However, other species continue to be poached globally to satisfy an unnecessary demand for ‘luxury’ ivory products, such as the hippopotamus, walrus, narwhal, sperm whale, and killer whale. We applaud DEFRA’s decision to broaden this effective legislation, which will substantially contribute to dismantling this harmful trade. Today represents a pivotal moment for conservation and progress towards our international commitments to protect the natural world.”

All five species are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates their international trade, and the hippopotamus, walrus, and sperm whale are categorized as vulnerable on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

This announcement follows a thorough public consultation, coinciding with the one-year anniversary of the successful ivory ban.

Since June 6, 2022, over 6,500 registrations and certificates have been issued for exempted items, ensuring they remain part of our artistic and cultural heritage.

The Government stands as a global leader in international conservation, with the UK playing a pivotal role in the adoption of the ambitious Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in December. This new accord, endorsed by 195 nations, commits countries to safeguard 30% of our land and oceans by 2030 and eradicate human-induced extinctions of recognized threatened species.