Experts are calling on travellers to think twice before buying items like an exotic-looking scorpion as a souvenir. — FEDERICO GAMBARINI/dpa
Parrot feathers, python skins and dried seahorses may tempt you when you are on a trip, or you might want to buy a protected plant or a giant clam or piece of coral.
Airport customs staff often find such treasures nestled in people’s suitcases – and sometimes, travellers face a fine, as well as lose their souvenirs. You can even face criminal proceedings, says Germany’s Central Association of Zoological Specialty Businesses (ZZF).
Worse still, you may be unwittingly feeding the global boom in illegal trade in protected species, says ZZF chief Norbert Holthenrich.
While you might have hoped to place the item in your home to remember a great holiday, this could be having a highly negative impact on the environment. “Products that contain parts or ingredients from endangered species contribute to the extinction of these animals and plants and threaten our biological diversity,” says Holthenrich.
If you love marine animals like the seahorse, then buy a replica of the real thing as a souvenir.
Conservationists say travellers should avoid holiday souvenirs containing animal or plant components – and if in doubt, it is better to be safe than sorry, so try and refrain from purchasing them.
If you are considering buying an exotic souvenir, first check whether it is a protected species or whether it has been made from one such as certain medicines or foodstuffs.
You can find guidance online such as at the World Wildlife Fund’s advice pages.
There, the non-governmental organisation writes: “Every day, we are faced with conscious choices about the purchases we make – and those purchases can have a profound impact on wildlife.
“While many wildlife and plant products are sold legally around the world, there is also a tremendous demand for illegal products made from endangered species.”
This demand “... feeds wildlife crime and devastates populations of elephants, sea turtles, rhinos, and tigers, among other species.
“With online platforms now providing global species at your fingertips, it has never been more important to remain vigilant and ask more questions about the purchases you are making.”
Even sand, it seems, can be costly if removed without permission as some travellers found in Sardinia, Italy, famed for its beaches.
If caught, tourists can face steep fines, up to US$3,500 (RM14,871) – which is what recently happened after 4.1kg of sand from various beaches was confiscated by customs officials at Sardinia’s airport.
“Smugglers” cause “irreparable damage” to the beaches, customs officials say, slamming the tourists who “carry away sand, stones and shells without any respect”. – dpa
