CROCODILES AND HUMAN ECONOMY

Crocodiles are protected in many parts of the world, but they also are farmed commercially. The most commonly farmed species are :

• The Saltwater crocodile
• Nile crocodiles
• The rare Siamese crocodile

A hybrid of the Saltwater and the rare Siamese crocodile is also bred in Asian farms. Farming has resulted in an increase in the Saltwater crocodile population in Australia, as eggs are usually harvested from the wild, so landowners have an incentive to conserve crocodile habitat.
In farm commercially, crocodile hide is tanned and used to make leather goods, whilst crocodile meat is also considered a delicacy.

Crocodile leather can be made into goods such as : 

• Shoes
• Wallets
• Briefcases
• Handbags
• Purses
• Belts
• Hats

The crocodile meat is white and its nutritional composition compares favourably with that of other meats. It does tend to have a slightly higher cholesterol level than other meats. Crocodile meat has a delicate flavour and its taste can be complemented by the use of marinades. Choice cuts of meat include backstrap and tail fillet.

Crocodile is consumed in some countries such as : 

• Australia
• Ethiopia
• Thailand
• South Africa
• Cuba ( in pickled form )
• The United States ( crocodile meat can also be found in specialty restaurants )

Posted in: crocodile,veterinary