Suitcase for Survival

Some of the world's best-loved species are being ruthlessly slaughtered by wildlife criminals for illegal trade.

  • Wild tigers are being hunted to extinction for their skins, bones, teeth and claws.
  • Last year, more than 30,000 African elephants were poached for their ivory tusks.
  • South Africa has experienced a 7,000% increase in rhino poaching since 2007.

Just because it's for sale does not mean it is legal.

This suitcase is full of illegal wildlife parts and products seized here in America by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Learn how you can help save nature by asking basic questions and getting the facts. When in doubt, don't buy. You can help stop wildlife crime.

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Tiger rug and medicine made from tiger parts Do Not Buy

Objects:

Tiger skin & medicine made from tiger parts

Species Impacted:

Tigers (Endangered)

Details:

All international trade of tiger products, whether used in folk or traditional medicine, as souvenirs or for "good luck" charms, is illegal.

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Products made from reptiles Buy Very Carefully

Objects:

Reptile products

Species Impacted:

Snakes, crocodiles, lizards, caiman

Details:

While it's likely your belt, bag or shoes comes from captive-bred populations, not wild ones, check that your product has a CITES permit before you part with your cash. Certain leather products require permits.

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Objects made from ivory Do Not Buy

Objects:

Ivory trinkets

Species Impacted:

Elephants (Endangered & Vulnerable)

Details:

The illegal trade in elephant ivory has led to a poaching crisis in Africa. Avoid raw or carved ivory from the teeth or tusks of elephants, whales, and narwhals.

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Products made from sea turtles Do Not Buy

Objects:

Sea turtle products and turtle shell

Species Impacted:

Sea turtles (Critically Endangered, Endangered & Vulnerable)

Details:

Six of the seven species of sea turtles are endangered or critically endangered. All international trade in marine turtle products is banned, so avoid those hair clips, bracelets and souvenirs.

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Caviar Buy very carefully

Objects:

Caviar

Species Impacted:

Sturgeon

Details:

Without a permit, you may only import up to 125 grams (about 8 ounces) of sturgeon caviar per person per trip, but the caviar of some species like beluga is completely prohibited.

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Medicinals made from animal parts Do Not Buy

Objects:

Medicinals

Species Impacted:

Rhinos (Critically Endangered, Vulnerable & Near Threatened), tigers (Endangered)

Details:

Those made from rhino, tiger, leopard, Asiatic black bear, or musk deer are prohibited.

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Stop Wildlife Crime

Learn how you can take action against the most urgent threat to elephants, rhinos and tigers.

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