British holidaymakers are bringing back more than a stick of rock and a straw donkey. Coral, elephant ivory carvings, traditional Chinese medicine and snake skin accessories are amongst the top ten illegal wildlife trade items being bought back to the UK as souvenirs. WWF is urging holidaymakers to be vigilant about buying wildlife souvenirs during one of the busiest weeks for holidaymakers travelling overseas.
Traditional Chinese medicine containing endangered species such as tigers, rhinos and seahorses tops the list with Customs seizing 97 of these items in the last year (2006-07). This was followed by 44 seizures of snake and lizard products such as handbags and shoes and 39 seizures of similar crocodile and alligator products.
Heather Sohl, wildlife trade officer at WWF, said: “Many tourists could be unwittingly helping to push some of the world’s most endangered species to the brink of extinction - all for the sake of an exotic souvenir. Our message is if in doubt don’t buy.”
MSN has compiled a gallery of the top 10 illegal wildlife crime items as seized by HM Customs and Excise in the UK between 2006-2007.
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