South Africa: Loving Animals to Death

South Africa is an increasingly popular destination with millions of foreign tourists visiting each year. But as visitors flock to see wild elephants, lions and giraffes in the famous national parks, could they be helping to wipe out the animals they have come to see?

IFAW researchers discovered a flourishing trade in tourist souvenirs made from wildlife. While the exact extent of this trade is difficult to monitor and control, one certainty remains: as tourism continues to grow in South Africa, so too does the demand for wildlife product souvenirs.

Elephant ivory carvings, sharks' teeth jewelry, porcupine quills and reptile skin products are commonly available in South Africa. Yet many native species, including elephant, cheetah, rhino, zebra, lion, and hippo are protected from over-exploitation from international trade by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

The most endangered species are listed on Appendix I, and it is against the law to sell or buy products made from these animals. The majority of the other species are listed on Appendix II, which means that the trade in items made from them is strictly regulated through permits. Animals in this group include zebra, hippo and lion.

What if I see wildlife items for sale?

You should ask anyone selling items made from these animals to show you their permit and find out if you need a permit to buy. Traders are often ignorant of the need to hold a permit to sell wildlife products, or simply lie and pretend they do not need one. You could be supporting illegal activity by buying wildlife souvenirs.

Take Action

Support the Local Economy: Buy Alternative Souvenirs

When visiting South Africa IFAW encourages you to buy gifts and souvenirs that do not harm animals.

IFAW is a supporter of Monkeybiz South Africa, a non-profit organisation that has revived the ancient African tradition of beading and beadwork in Southern Africa. Monkeybiz creates employment and empowerment for 450 disadvantaged women in Cape Town, who produce an extraordinary and beautiful range of beaded artworks – each one an original.

The artists are paid for every piece they produce and, since they work from home, can care for their families and avoid transport costs. In addition Monkeybiz runs the Monkeybiz Wellness Clinic which provides skills training and HIV/AIDS support for disadvantaged women and children.

So Think Twice – don’t buy wildlife souvenirs. Give a job instead!

Click to learn more about Monkeybiz South Africa

Get Information

Watch out for items like the ones below when looking for a souvenir to bring home!

Porcupine quills
Sharks’ teeth
Reptile leather products
Skins and hides
Lion and leopard claws
Jewelry and utensils which have animal horn, teeth or bone
Ostrich eggs and ostrich leather products
Hippo teeth
Warthog tusk carvings
Corals and shells