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Millions of people fly out
of Europe each summer in search of sun and relaxation. And many
thousands come home with illegal souvenirs made from animal
parts - often with no idea that they have done anything wrong.
 Yet,
we are living in the middle of the biggest mass extinction wave
since the disappearance of the dinosaurs – and part of the
reason for the decline in some species is the massive poaching
that goes on to provide the raw materials for tourist trinkets.
The illegal trade in
wildlife is estimated to be worth many billions of dollars each
year. While a large part of this trade is controlled by criminal
gangs, much is also perpetrated by the hundreds of millions of
people who go on foreign holidays each year and unwittingly buy
souvenirs made from endangered species.
Each year, Customs agents
seize thousands of tourist souvenirs made from endangered
species, which are protected by the United Nations Convention
on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and
Flora (CITES). CITES has been signed by more than 165
countries, and regulates trade in about 5,000 species of animals
and 25,000 species of plants.
Unfortunately, souvenirs
made from endangered species are often very openly sold in
foreign resorts, and so it can be hard for tourists to imagine
they are doing any harm. In serious cases, however, tourists
coming back home with such products in their luggage are risking
hefty fines or even jail sentences.
 Endangered
species items that are commonly on sale include ivory,
tortoiseshell, reptile skins, furs and some
corals and seashells. It is illegal to bring many of
these products into some European countries, while others may
require complicated permits.
Many people list their destination's
beautiful natural environment and wildlife as a top reason for
visiting the country. And yet by buying just one shell, piece of
coral or ivory, they are helping to destroy the very natural
beauty they came to see!
IFAW's Think Twice campaign is
asking people travelling abroad to err on the side of caution -
if you're not sure what an item is made of, or whether it is
legal, then don't buy it. Instead, buy souvenirs such as locally
made handicrafts made from non-animal materials.
For more information and to support the
Think Twice campaign click here
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