Zimbabwe ivory sale raises $768,000

The sale of almost four tonnes of ivory by Zimbabwe raised US$450,000 ($768,000) for conservation in a country whose economic crisis has left authorities battling to maintain vast reserves and protect elephants, rhinos and other game.

The sale, which was held in the capital, Harare, is part of a series of ivory auctions being held for the first time in a decade.

Last year, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species ruled that Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe could sell 108 tonnes of stockpiled ivory to approved Japanese and Chinese buyers.

The final sale will take place in South Africa this week.