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Over 600,000 Brits have returned from holiday with wildlife souvenirs, according to a new poll.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is highlighting the fact threatened species - including elephants, rhinos, leopards and turtles - are being killed to feed a growing trade that turns ivory, fur, claws, teeth and shells into holiday trinkets.

IFAW wildlife campaigner Nikki Kelly said: 'Most of these souvenirs are being bought unwittingly simply because travellers are confused by the complex laws governing trade in wild animals or because they just aren't aware of them.

'Worse still, wildlife souvenirs are often sold so openly abroad many tourists mistakenly believe they must be legal.'

The IFAW think Twice campaign is being backed by Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) as well as stars including Sir David Jason, Chris Tarrant and Twiggy.

Countries highlighted as places where illegal souvenirs are often on sale include South Africa and Kenya.

The sale of animal trinkets is far from underground or only limited to street markets as a recent IFAW investigation found souvenirs made from elephant ivory and hair, sharks' teeth and zebra skin being sold in airports.

IFAW UK director Robbie Marsland said: 'Tourists need to remember if they don't buy, animals won't die.

'If 600,000 British tourists are bringing back parts of dead animals as souvenirs think how many millions must be dying internationally. It's far better to buy alternative mementos, such as local handicrafts instead of items that harm the very animals that people have travelled so far to see.'


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