There were 72 seizures of unlicensed endangered species made at Customs checkpoints in the first quarter of the year, down 37.4% on the same period last year, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department says.

Items commonly seized included orchids, cactus, Huamei, stony coral skeletons, crocodile meat and stuffed specimens.

The department urged travellers to be more cautious when buying wildlife souvenirs abroad. As some plant and animal species are endangered, their import and export is regulated under an international convention.

People should not purchase such items whenever they are in doubt, and should be mindful of claims that licences are not required.

Under the Animals & Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance, the import, export or possession of endangered animals and plants, including their parts and derivatives, requires a licence that must be obtained in advance from the department.

Anyone found guilty of importing, exporting or possessing any endangered species without a licence faces a $5 million fine, two years jail and mandatory forfeiture of the specimens. For details call 1823 or visit this website.