Buyer Beware

For some travelers, browsing through shops for unique gifts and great bargains is the best part of a vacation. But while many souvenirs made from wildlife may seem like a bargain in the shop, the true price may be much higher.

Products made from endangered animals and plants come at a high ecological cost. Local ecosystems are often threatened when endangered species are taken to satisfy consumer demand. What’s more, trade in endangered species is often restricted, so products that cost just a few dollars in a shop can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars in fines if they are brought back to the United States.

So what’s a traveler to do? Steer clear of products made from endangered or threatened animals, including the following, which are often found in souvenir shops:

Elephant Ivory
Even though trade in elephant ivory is severely restricted, you can find ivory in markets from Africa to Asia, and even in North America and Europe. Ivory poaching threatens elephant populations: The elephant is killed to harvest its ivory tusks. Because elephant populations are still dangerously low in some countries, it’s illegal to bring ivory into the United States.

Sea turtle shells
Sea turtle shells can be used to make a variety of products, including guitars, jewelry, and even ashtrays. Because sea turtles are endangered, trade in these species has been banned. That ban doesn’t mean you won’t find sea turtle products in stores, but it does mean that the product could be taken from you when you arrive in the United States.

Spotted Cat Fur
Coats, purses, or rugs of spotted fur could be made from one of many endangered or threatened cats, including jaguars, snow leopards, tigers, or ocelots. If the products were expensive in the shop, they’ll cost even more at the border. Customs agents have orders to confiscate spotted fur items, and they can charge the owners with hefty fines for violating wildlife laws.

Coral Jewelry
Although coral jewelry is very pretty and often inexpensive, it comes at a high price for the world’s oceans. Corals are declining around the world, and one of the causes is using coral to make jewelry. International trade laws don’t yet protect many corals, but you can help by not buying coral products in shops.

Reptile Skins
Purses, wallets, boots, and belts are often made from the skin of lizards, snakes, and crocodiles. Because many reptiles are protected by international trade laws, it’s best to check with U.S. Customs before your trip if reptile skins are on your shopping list.