UK government seeks to extend protection of ivory-bearing animals

Public consultation opens over broadening Ivory Act from elephants to other species including hippos and killer whales

Hippos, walruses and killer whales could receive greater legal protection under government proposals to extend the ban on ivory poaching.

The plans would see the Ivory Act broadened to cover more animals, with ministers saying elephants are not the only species at risk. The proposed protections opened for public consultation on Saturday, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has urged industry stakeholders and members of the public to share their views.