British citizens returning from vacation have been bringing a wide variety of souvenirs back from their travels.  According to UK Customs, over 163,000 illegal wildlife trade items were seized in 2006.

So what types of trinkets are they bringing back?

The items confiscated included snakeskin goods, elephant ivory carvings and, top of the list with the highest number of seizures, 605kg (more than half a ton) of traditional Chinese medicines.

97 seizures involving traditional Chinese medicines consisted of animals such as tigers, rhinos, leopards, bears and seahorses.  These animals are believed to have provide health remedies according to Chinese traditions.  For example, bear bile, which is sold for $1,000 for 250cc, is believed to help reduce fever, improve eyesight, break gallstones, and protect the liver.

Other items seized by British Customs:

There were also 44 seizures of snake and lizard products such as handbags and shoes, and 39 seizures of similar crocodile and alligator products.The authorities seized almost 1,000 live reptiles such as snakes, chameleons, tortoises and terrapins.

The Guardian also has an interesting photo gallery of the various types of items seized.

Havocscope is currently estimating that the illegal trade in Animals and Wildlife to be valued at $20 billion.

For more information and prices, please visit our Animal and Wildlife Trafficking page.