We all love going abroad and bringing home a souvenir of the places we visit but we have a duty not to destroy what we have gone to see

WWF's Jim Kitchen

The list includes corals, reptiles and orchids as well as tigers, rhinos, turtles and elephants.

Jim Kitchen, head of WWF Northern Ireland, said: "Several thousand animals, plants and wildlife products are seized by UK Customs officials each year.

"Officers in Northern Ireland have confiscated such items as handbags made from cobra skins, tiger bone medicines and even stuffed crocodiles.

"Among tourists, ignorance is the main reason. They don't realise that by buying wildlife souvenirs, they may be reducing the numbers of a species already threatened with extinction."

Essential structure

The WWF said people were attracted by the mottled amber shell of marine turtles which was made into a variety of goods.

It also said tourists were probably unaware that corals and shells were part of the essential structure of the reef over which they had been snorkelling on their holiday.

"We all love going abroad and bringing home a souvenir of the places we visit but we have a duty not to destroy what we have gone to see," said Mr Kitchen.

"We hope that Northern Ireland's travellers will think twice about what they bring home.

Important message

"Our advice is that if you are in any doubt, don't buy the product."

Many species are close to extinction

The WWF launch will include an exhibition of seized souvenirs, including elephant ivory, reptile and leopard skins, and items made from turtle shells.

Natalie Raper, director of marketing services at Belfast International Airport, said: "We support the aims of WWF's campaign and we are happy to help the organisation get this important message across to the travelling public."

Souvenir Alert Leaflets and luggage labels showing images of rare and endangered species are being distributed to the travelling public at airports, ports and international rail terminals.

Some 350 million animals, worth approximately US$20bn, are traded every year around the world, with one quarter thought to be illegal.