The sale of ivory from five more species are to be banned under Government rules.
The use of tusks and teeth from killer whales, hippopotamuses, walruses, narwhals, and sperm whales have been included on a list of imports and export bans.
The mammals are hunted and killed for their ivory and is mostly used for decorative carvings.
The government plans to extend the Ivory Act 2018 to include them.
Breaking the law carries and unlimited fine or five years in jail.
Biodiversity Minister Trudy Harrison said:
“The Ivory Act is one of the toughest bans of its kind in the world and by extending greater legal protections to five more species, we are sending a clear message the commercial trade of ivory is totally unacceptable.”
The International Fund for Animal Welfare welcomed the government’s proposal.
Frances Goodrum, Head of Campaigns and Programmes at IFAW UK, said:
“We welcome the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ decision to extend this powerful legislation.
“It will go a long way in cracking down on a damaging trade.
“Today is a good day for conservation and a step change towards international commitments to safeguard our natural world.”
Last year the conservation charity Born Free found 621 listings for ivory items being offered online.
