The price for taking on animal rights groups can be very high, because of these groups' influence on public opinion. Western governments thus tend to be wary of them. Japan especially has been fighting a bruising battle since 1982, without much success, to have the moratorium on whaling lifted. Its principal opponents have been the same Western animal rights groups that are ardent supporters of the ivory trade ban. It is unlikely that Japan would want to risk opening another battle-front on the ivory issue.
Western governments are unlikely to risk losing political capital over the ivory issue.
The balance of power seems to be with animal rights and environmental groups. In developed countries, environmental awareness has become a major concern in public life. Driving this change in perception are many ardent, committed, direct action environmental groups. On issues which the groups feel strongly about, they can be adamant and intolerant. They are usually willing to take any action to reach their goal.