In vote returns Tuesday, Initiative 1401 was crushing its opponents, who numbered a measly 6,223, or 32.2 percent, at the polls.

Supporters for the measure swelled at 13,084, nearly 68 percent of the tally so far.

The initiative would make selling, purchasing, trading or distributing certain animal species (and products containing such species) a gross misdemeanor or class-C felony, with exemptions for certain types of transfers.

The measure would apply to animals listed in either Appendix I or II of the “Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna,” or listed as critically endangered or vulnerable in the lists of endangered species compiled by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. (As of now, that includes elephants, rhinoceroses, tigers, lions, leopards, cheetahs, pangolins, marine turtles, sharks, and rays.)

Exceptions to the measure include: (1) sale or trade of antique items if the endangered animal makes up less than 15% of the item; (2) animal parts or products distributed for educational, scientific, or museum purposes; (3) when items are distributed under a will, estate, or trust after death of the owner; (4) musical instruments if the endangered animal part makes up less than 15% of the instrument; and (5) where trade in the item is allowed by federal permit or law.