Economic analysis of ivory demand demonstrates that demand reduction in key markets is the most effective strategy for reducing elephant poaching.
Every elephant killed for ivory causes direct welfare harm through a violent death. Entire family groups are often slaughtered when ivory hunters encounter multi-generational groups. The economic drivers of poaching mean that demand reduction in consumer markets is the most direct mechanism for reducing elephant suffering at the source. Small changes in consumer behavior in major market countries translate directly to reduced poaching pressure.