eBay has announced that it will be banning all sales of ivory, including most heirlooms, on its website. The announcement came after growing complaints from international law enforcement agencies and conservations groups criticized eBay for providing a market for ivory items to be sold. The announcement also comes before the International Fund for Animal Welfare releases a report today that documents how online auction sites like eBay have become a magnet for selling items derived from endangered species. The ban on ivory items will go into effect on January 1st, 2009. [NY Times ]