HELP THE PLANET
Before you departed for Australia, you probably didn’t know how great the Crocodile Dundee hat would look on your head
certified as “pre-convention” (predates the Cites listing) may be eligible for Cites permits. Items certified as “pre-act” (before the ESA listing) or antique items (older than 100 years) may be exempt.
Shahtoosh/ring shawl made of Tibetan antelope hair
Where you can buy it: India, Switzerland and high-end stores in fashion capitals. If you can pull the fine wool scarf through a ring, it’s likely a shahtoosh, not a pashmina.
Why it is regulated: Cites I; endangered under the ESA. Threats include poaching for the animals’ shorter guard-hairs.
When it is permitted: Same requirements as sea turtles.
Drum head made of monitor lizard skin and decorated with cowrie shells
Where you can buy it: Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, sub-Saharan Africa.
Why it is regulated: All monitor lizard species fall under Cites II. Threats include the live pet trade, harvesting for meat and skins, and habitat loss.
When it is permitted: Personal baggage exemption. Red coral necklace Where you can buy it: Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, Pacific islands, Asia.
Why it is regulated: Cites III. Threats include over-harvesting for the aquarium and jewellery trade, illegal collection or destruction by recreational divers, habitat degradation, rising ocean temperatures and pollution.
When it is permitted: Personal baggage exemption. – The Washington Post