Over 1,000 endangered species items handed in to Dutch enterprise agency in 2024

More than 1,000 items made from endangered plant and animal species were handed in to the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) in The Hague last year. These included taxidermy animals, fur coats, and a large amount of ivory, such as bracelets, necklaces, and figurines.

One of the most remarkable items, according to the RVO, was a spiral-shaped tusk from a narwhal (a type of whale). Among the taxidermy animals were spectacled caimans, crows, a snow hare, an armadillo, around 60 sea turtle shells, and the hide of a cheetah.

“We remain impressed by what people voluntarily hand in; these are items made from endangered species,” said Jamie Bekkers of the RVO. “By doing so, people actively help prevent unintentional violations of the law, such as trying to sell these items without proper documentation.”

The RVO stated that most of the items handed in are destroyed to prevent them from reentering the (illegal) trade.