Yahoo! takes positive step in banning Ivory sales in Japan

​Yahoo! Japan has banned all ivory sales on its platforms across Japan beginning November 1, 2019 taking a huge step in the direction of banning ivory sales across the entire country.  I did not know this, but apparently there are 16,000 registered ivory retailers, manufacturers, and wholesalers that use the platform to distribute ivory throughout Japan.  This ban will significantly decrease access to ivory and hopefully push the government to ban the sale outright as well as energize animal cruelty groups such as the HIS (Humane Society International) who have pushed for a full ban for years.  Between 2011 and 2016 there were 2 tons of ivory seized by Chinese authorities.  Short term this is a huge step but the bigger question is as retailers look for alternatives to Yahoo! How will authorities and other companies as well as groups help combat the trade?  You know as well as I do that people will be scrambling for alternatives sources of sale and while a huge step hopefully it’s not just a Band-Aid.