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of ivory use in such high-end cultural practices keeps the issue linked to contemporary conservation debates.

By the 1970s, Japan consumed about 40% of the global trade; another 40% was consumed by Europe and North America, often worked in Hong Kong, which was the largest trade hub, with most of the rest remaining in Africa. China, yet to become the economic force of today, consumed small amounts of ivory to keep its skilled carvers in business.

African elephant

1980s poaching and illegal trade

In 1979, the

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