Warning on species souvenir threat

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WWF said that in the last financial year HM Revenue & Customs confiscated 163,000 illegal wildlife trade items, many made from endangered species.

The haul included 959 live reptiles such as snakes, lizards, tortoises and terrapins, as well as 44 seizures of snake and lizard products such as handbags and shoes, and 39 seizures of similar crocodile and alligator products.

WWF said Customs also seized 221 elephant ivory and skin products, 97 items of traditional Chinese medicine and around 158,000 illegal plants such as American Ginseng, orchids and cyads.

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.

"Although the latest figures indicate that some illegal wildlife trade items are being brought in by wildlife criminals, the majority appear to be innocently brought back by holidaymakers as souvenirs.

"Our message is if in doubt don't buy."

WWF said the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species bans or strictly controls trade in certain endangered plants or animals to ensure their future survival. These include many corals, reptiles and orchids as well as the better known protection for tigers, rhinos, turtles and elephants.

WWF and TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, are also urging people to report any suspicious trade in wildlife in the UK and abroad using a confidential hotline on 01483 426111.