Trafficking in ivory violates the Convention in Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). Wildlife authorities
have recently seen a surge in the flood of ivory in underground markets around affluent Asian countries.
Ivory is often crafted into fancy frames for stamps that wealthy people use to emboss their written
communications.
Wildlife officials are not sure where the supply of ivory is coming from, and whether it is coming from
elephant tusks or other sources such as rhino horn or other animal bone. It is important that they
correctly identify the material, and also track its origin so that any illegal activity can be stopped.
Once authorities are aware of the species of animal involved, there are ways they might be able to track
down the population from which the material originated.
Please analyze how to define a species and organize one into its taxonomic designation, what action could
be taken if the source population of the ivory can be located (how can law enforcement use that
knowledge to their advantage), measures that officials could take to curtail the trade, and any cultural or
social obstacles that law enforcement might face in their attempts to derail the illegal trade.