What is real ivory? Why elephants face the greatest poaching threat
Ivory, historically prized for carvings and jewelry, is now central to ethical debates due to poaching and endangered species. Derived from animal tusks and teeth, it's denser and smoother than bone, resisting scratches and displaying unique Schreger lines. While elephants produce the most famous ivory, other animals also possess it, and its trade is restricted by CITES.
Ivory, historically prized for carvings and jewelry, is now central to ethical debates due to poaching and endangered species. Derived from animal tusks and teeth, it's denser and smoother than bone, resisting scratches and displaying unique Schreger lines. While elephants produce the most famous ivory, other animals also possess it, and its trade is restricted by CITES.
