A new report has found multiple ivory items listed on TradeMe. Photo / Getty Images
A new report has found multiple ivory items listed on TradeMe. Photo / Getty Images
Ivory and tiger parts are among endangered animal products being sold via TradeMe, according to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).
The organisation today released a report based on an eight-day survey into animal products listed on internet trading platforms in Australia and New Zealand.
"We found that TradeMehosted 20 adverts offering up CITES Appendix 1 products - those banned from international trade - including 17 ivory figures and jewellery, one tiger claw and two marine turtle shells," IFAW Australia and New Zealand regional director Isabel McCrea said.
Photo / Supplied
The research also found 13 advertisements for items from vulnerable animals that can only be traded under permits, including 11 reptile products (crocodile and python skin accessories as well as a stuffed crocodile), a stuffed bear and a bear rug with skull.
"The good news is that when compared to Australia, New Zealand had very few items offered for sale," McCrea said.
"The bad news is that it looks as though New Zealanders may be buying and selling items from overseas trading platforms. We did find one Auckland-based seller offering rhino horn on Quicksales at a cost of $230,000."
She urged TradeMe to ban the sale of products from protected or endangered species and require traders to include permit information in advertisements for wildlife products.
The company has said it removes listings if illegal products are found and that it works with the Department of Conservation if it's unclear whether an item is legal.
