Stop the Skin Trade

Find Out What YOU Can Do!

Wildlife Conservation Society believes only a reptile needs a reptile skin. But handbags, shoes, boots, and other accessories made from reptile skins continue to be "fashionable" - and continue to contribute to the loss of tens of millions of wild animals each year.

The reptile skin trade takes its greatest toll on snakes, lizards, sea turtles, and, especially, crocodilians - the group that include crocodiles, alligators, caiman and gharials.

Most reptile skins come from animals in the wild - many of them endangered.

Laws governing the skin trade can't totally protect wild reptiles. Skins from endangered or illegally hunted animals are often mixed in with similar-looking "legal" skins. For example, a handbag labeled "American alligator" may be made of illegal skins - often, from endangered South American caiman.

Read below to find out what YOU can do about the skin trade at home.

Don't buy products made from reptile skins!
Whenever you make any purchase, you tell retailers and manufacturers that their product is in demand. The belt or bag you buy today, even if it is made from a legally acquired skin, increases the demand for reptile products. More reptiles, including endangered species, will be killed to satisfy that demand. If you travel, be wary of souvenirs made from reptile skins or shells. It's tempting, when traveling overseas, to pick up inexpensive native crafts. In the case of reptile products, you'd be well advised to pass them up. They frequently utilize endangered species.

When you buy, keep all wildlife in mind
You're consumer dollar can be one of the best protections for the world's wild animals. Don't buy products that contribute to the decimation of wild populations, support illegal trade practices, or utilize endangered or threatened species.

Join Us!
Help us help wildlife: Join WCS.
Call 718 220-5111 or click here to find out more.