Import ban targets legal ivory trade

China has taken steps to halt the legal ivory trade by imposing a one-year ban on imports of ivory acquired during trophy hunting in Africa.

The import ban announced on Thursday by the State Forestry Administration, China's wildlife watchdog, described elephant hunting as inhumane and extravagant.

"In recent years, many wealthy Chinese have spent big money to hunt an elephant and trot out the ivory as a trophy," a statement from the SFA said. "This kind of behavior also damages China's image around the world."