It’s hoped the measure that came into effect yesterday will reduce the demand for African tusks that fuels poaching.

China’s State Forestry Administration, announcing the one-year ban on importing ivory, says it’s hoped this will be a first step towards protecting wild elephants who could be wiped out in parts of Africa in the next few years.

China is the world’s largest importer of smuggled tusks.

Beijing’s stepped up efforts to target illegal trading, which has been fuelled by a desire for ivory from an increasingly affluent population.

A government official said China will evaluate the effect on elephant protection before taking further, more effective steps.

China has around 150 licensed shops selling ivory.

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