Published online by Cambridge University Press: 24 April 2009
Elephant ivory is still on sale in Kathmandu, in Nepal, despite the fact that this transgresses the country's legislation. In a recent survey of 184 shops frequented by tourists 1454 ivory items were found for sale. Trade in ivory is at a vey low level, but dealers are still importing ivory. The Forest officers and police need to be motivated to confiscate the ivory and take the offenders to court. Without fully implementing Nepal's 25-year-old National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, the authorities are indirectly encouraging people to flout the restrictions.