An audacious world-first proposal to protect an extinct species was debated on the global stage last week.
The plan to regulate the trade of woolly mammoth ivory was proposed, but ultimately withdrawn from an international conference on the trade of endangered species.
Instead, delegates agreed to consider the question again in three years, after a study of the effect of the mammoth ivory trade on global ivory markets.
Why protect an extinct species?
The Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement regulating trade in endangered wildlife, signed by 183 countries. Every three years the signatories meet to discuss levels of protection for trade in various animals and their body parts.
The most audacious proposal at this year’s conference, which concluded yesterday in Geneva, was Israel’s suggestion to list the Woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) as a protected species.
Specifically, it aimed to list the woolly mammoth in accordance with the Convention’s “lookalike” provision. Once woolly mammoth ivory is carved into small pieces, it is indistinguishable from elephant ivory without a microscope. The proposal is designed to protect living elephants, by preventing “laundering” or mislabelling of illegal elephant ivory.

Had it passed, it would have been the first time an extinct species has been listed to save its modern-day cousins. Most populations of woolly mammoths went extinct after the last ice age, 10,000-40,000 years ago.
Wait, you can trade mammoth ivory?
The trade in woolly mammoth tusks lies at the convergence of Earth’s environmental crises.
As the climate crisis melts permafrost in the Siberian tundra, preserved mammoths bearing tusks as large as 4.2m long (weighing as much as 84kg) have been unearthed for the first time in millennia.
International trade in mammoth ivory is not illegal (except for import to India under domestic legislation), and the domestic trade of Woolly mammoth ivory is not banned by most countries.
While poorly documented, the main trade route for tusks is thought to be from Russia to Hong Kong and then mainland China for processing.
Imports to Hong Kong have increased dramatically from fewer than 9 tonnes per year from 2000 to 2003 to an average of 31 tonnes per year from 2007 to 2013. Similarly, one survey found a fourfold increase in mammoth ivory sales in Macau between 2004 and 2015.
Read more: It’s time to break the deadlock over Africa’s ivory trade: here’s how
It’s not all mammoth
While some of this mammoth trade is legitimate, plenty of traders are passing elephant ivory off as mammoth. Research has found that, while it’s very hard to tell how much of the legal mammoth trade is actually (illegal) elephant ivory, tighter regulation may reduce opportunities for the laundering of elephant ivory.
The proposal would not ban trade altogether, but would require an exporting country to prove that specimens are mammoth ivory to get a permit.
Ivory laundering goes the other way as well. Grade A mammoth ivory can be carved and passed off as elephant ivory trinkets and enter the illegal wildlife trade.
The illegal wildlife trade claims the lives of 20,000-50,000 elephants annually and is the second greatest direct threat to species survival.

Is it woolly thinking?
The new proposal was not without its detractors. Some “ice ivory” sellers and carvers argue mammoth ivory should be promoted as an alternative to elephant ivory to meet market demand without poaching. Others maintain extinct species should be regulated by the laws and codes observed by the global antiquities trade.
While Israel has not taken positions on these points, the move would be in line with other global efforts to stem the tide of organised crime syndicates profiting from the illegal wildlife trade.
My own research, along with government inquiries around the world, has found legal markets in ivory, regardless of origin, can and will be exploited as conduits for illegal trade.
Further, a recent analysis of the global online antiquities market found dealers and buyers have resoundingly poor legal literacy. Ethical dealer behaviour is highly inconsistent.
Read more: To save the African elephant, focus must turn to poverty and corruption
A solution put on ice
If it had passed, this proposal would have been a landmark achievement in the protection of elephants. Instead, Israel’s delegates ultimately withdrew the motion, in the face of vehement opposition from Russia, which is the primary exporter of mammoth ivory.
Delegates from Canada, the United States of America and the European Union said there was insufficient evidence to support the change. The various parties agreed to support a study into the mammoth ivory trade as a compromise, and Israeli delegates are hopeful the findings will reopen discussion at the next conference, three years from now.
You’re so awesome! I don’t believe I have read a single thing like that before. So great to find someone with some original thoughts on this topic. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!
Posts that can provoke thought in both sexes are my favourite to read. Moreover, I appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback.
I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.
You’re so awesome! I don’t believe I have read a single thing like that before. So great to find someone with some original thoughts on this topic. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!
There is definately a lot to find out about this subject. I like all the points you made
I recently stumbled upon this super website, an oasis for fans. The owner has a real knack for producing compelling content that hits the mark every time. I’m thrilled to have found this site and can’t get enough of what they deliver.
Thank you for addressing such an important topic in this post Your words are powerful and have the potential to make a real difference in the world
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.
Your posts always provide me with a new perspective and encourage me to look at things differently Thank you for broadening my horizons
I appreciate how well-researched and detailed your posts are It’s evident that you put a lot of time and effort into providing valuable information to your readers
Your posts always provide me with a new perspective and encourage me to look at things differently Thank you for broadening my horizons
Your posts always provide me with a new perspective and encourage me to look at things differently Thank you for broadening my horizons
Temp mail I’m often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand spanking new information.
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.
La weekly Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.
Real Estate There is definately a lot to find out about this subject. I like all the points you made
I have read your article carefully and I agree with you very much. This has provided a great help for my thesis writing, and I will seriously improve it. However, I don’t know much about a certain place. Can you help me? https://accounts.binance.com/de-CH/register?ref=UM6SMJM3
Internet Chicks This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
Tech to Trick Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Many thanks for providing these details.
Tech to Trick Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.
This is top-notch! I wonder how much effort and time you have spent to come up with these informative posts. Should you be interested in generating more ideas about Thai-Massage, take a look at my website QU6
Family Dollar I’m often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand spanking new information.
Blue Techker This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!
Blue Techker Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Many thanks for providing these details.
FinTech ZoomUs For the reason that the admin of this site is working, no uncertainty very quickly it will be renowned, due to its quality contents.
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.
Glue Dream strain very informative articles or reviews at this time.
Baddiehub I very delighted to find this internet site on bing, just what I was searching for as well saved to fav
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
Noodlemagazine Good post! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the great writing
Noodlemagazine I truly value your method of writing blogs. I’ve saved it to my bookmarks and will check back later
FlixHQ I thoroughly enjoy reading posts that encourage people to think. Thank you as well for giving me the chance to comment!
gab For the reason that the admin of this site is working, no uncertainty very quickly it will be renowned, due to its quality contents.