Ivory bids fall on poaching fears

The countries asked the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) meeting to permit one-off sales from government stockpiles. The ivory trade was banned in 1989, but two sales have since been granted to nations showing effective conservation. Kenya withdrew a bid to ban sales for 20 years, after finding little support. Most conservation groups were delighted that the Tanzanian and Zambian bids were turned down.

"This is a real victory for elephants," said Jason Bell-Leask, director of Southern African operations with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (Ifaw).