eBay to ban sales of ivory goods

EBay has announced a worldwide ban on the sale of ivory products on its auction websites from next year.

An eBay spokesman said the move was the best way to help African and Asian elephants. The endangered animals are often hunted for their ivory tusks.

The ban comes as a conservation group prepares to release a report critical of the auction site.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare will say more than 4,000 ivory products have been listed on eBay.

EBay's decision is commendable and should set an example for others
Teresa Telecky
Humane Society International

Most sales of ivory products through eBay are done on the company's American website.

"In one instance, a user purchased a pair of elephant tusks off eBay for more than $21,000," the International Fund for Animal Welfare said.

	Ebay to ban sales of ivory products in January	Associated Press	Mon Oct 20	1
	Yielding to conservationists, eBay will ban ivory sales - International Herald Tribune	International Herald Tribune	Tue Oct 21	1