Abstract: Based on the elaboration of the conflicts and contradictions between ivory carving art inheritance and elephant protection,this paper emphatically analyzes the traditional ivory trade history,contradiction,complexity and international characteristics.It comprehensively elaborated present situation of the ivory management system,issues of strict control and smuggling trade,public legal consciousness and serious illegal trade for ivory carving profits,sculpture art inheritance raw material shortage and serious problems such as confiscation stock.This paper gives some suggestions about establishing regional international joint law enforcement,strengthening laws and regulations on the management of ivory,establishing the confiscated ivory auction system and strengthening the publicity and transparency of the tagging system,etc.

Key words: ivory trade, characteristics, management system