Last winter, a Californian returning from a Mexico vacation was left standing in his socks after a U.S. Fish and Wildlife inspector confiscated his boots at Los Angeles International Airport.
The boots were made of turtle leather. The traveler had unwittingly bought them, not knowing that it was illegal to bring reptile skins into the United States, said Andrea Gaski, senior program officer for the World Wildlife Fund.The WWF, a non-profit organization working in more than 100 countries "to conserve the abundance and diversity of life on earth," is co-author of "Buyer Beware" - a booklet advising travelers what wildlife items are likely not to make it past customs.
According to Gaski, the confiscation of shoes, belts and purses made from turtle leather or reptile skins are a common occurrence.
"Every year, thousands of travelers return from Mexico and other tropical countries with exotic souvenirs made from wildlife or with live plants or animals, only to have them seized at customs," she said. "The travelers aren't even aware that they're breaking the law until the items are confiscated.
"Stores and markets in those countries are often filled with wildlife items, curios and souvenirs that are prohibited from being brought into the United States because they are pushing endangered species closer to extinction," she said. Often the items are freely sold at airports throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, she added.
Sea turtle products most commonly seized are boots, belts and bags, tortoise shell combs and jewelry, stuffed sea turtles, whole shells and cosmetics made from the reptile's oil, she said.
If you're heading south of the border this season, it might be a good idea to obtain a copy of "Buyer Beware." The pamphlet, which aims to halt the exploitation of endangered species, was co-authored by the WWF, several Caribbean countries and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
"If you are tempted to buy a wildlife product, ask questions about the product's origin and the species' status," the brochure advises.
"When in doubt, don't buy," it says.
Among other items, the publication advises visitors to the Caribbean to check on the following products before attempting to bring them home:
- Reptile skins and leather, including those from some species of snakes, lizards and crocodile, which may have been used for shoes, belts, handbags, wallets and watch straps.
- All products made from the endangered "American crocodile" and the "black caiman" (a South American alligator), and some made from the "common caiman." These are prohibited.
- Wild birds and their feathers. Many Caribbean islands support small populations of extremely rare parrot species. Do not be tempted to carry a parrot home. Before you consider any such purchase, you should thoroughly research domestic and international laws.
If you buy a live bird abroad, you must follow the quarantine requirements of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Stuffed birds and items containing the feathers of parrots, the scarlet ibis and other exotic birds may also be illegal.
- Coral, including jewelry and ornaments. Many Caribbean nations protect the semi-precious "black coral," heavily exploited for jewelry. The black material forms the internal skeletal structure of the living coral and grows very slowly. For some species, one inch of growth may take decades. In addition, some countries have restrictions on collecting and exporting raw coral, sponges and shells.
"Buyer Beware" is available at airports throughout the Caribbean. You can also write to TRAFFIC, World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20037.