A conservation group has accused African governments of complicity in the illegal ivory trade, as a conference on ending the trade began in London.
Ivory ornaments on display in London. Photo: AFP
The WildlifeDirect group in Kenya said corruption has allowed record-breaking container loads of ivory to flow out of Africa.
Interpol said most of the trade is driven by organised crime syndicates, which have moved from narcotics and guns onto wildlife.
The Hong Kong for Elephants group earlier said an estimated 50,000 elephants were illegally killed for their tusks in 2013, driven in large part by demand from China.
Elephant ivory now sells for $US1500 per pound.
Prince Charles who is attending the conference said while strong law enforcement is needed, curtailing demand is the most important.
He said it was pleasing to see government represented at the conference committing to several bold new steps in trying to end the illegal ivory trade.
The leaders of four African nations pledged to honour a 10-year moratorium on sales of ivory.
The leaders of Botswana, Gabon, Chad and Tanzania made the statement at the conference..