WWF Warning Over Wildlife Souvenirs
Minimising human impact while visiting stunning natural habitat is crucial if we want to slow the current rate of global species extinction.
So I was heartened to hear from the BBC about a campaign asking tourists not to buy dodgy souvenirs made from rare species of animal. Really this message should already be in the sub conscious of every tourist, but it appears that there are still a number of brainless wonders who indulge in buying ivory carvings, medicines made from ground tiger bone and crocodile skin shoes. Think about it people.
According to the BBC:
“UK customs confiscated 163,000 illegal wildlife trade items - many made from endangered species - in the last year. Oriental medicine topped the list of seizures made - with 97 in a year. Some of these medicines had been prepared using parts of animals such as tigers, rhinos and sea horses. HM Customs and Excise made 44 seizures of snake and lizard products such as handbags and shoes between 2006-2007, and 39 seizures of similar crocodile and alligator products.”
This must surely be the tip of the iceberg.
HIGHEST NUMBER OF SEIZURES
1. Oriental medicine
2. Snake and lizard products
3. Alligator and crocodile items
4. Plants, such as orchids
5. Live reptiles
Source: WWF
The advice from Heather Sohl, wildlife trade officer at WWF, is “if in doubt - don’t buy”. Great advice…
If you know of any illegal wildlife trading, report it using the WWF dedicated hotline on 01483 426111.
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