Conservation and management of crocodiles in Africa

All three species of African crocodiles are regarded as endangered. Despite this, legislation examined from 32 countries provides inadequate protection. Commercial over-exploitation and management neglect have reduced a valuable natural resource to near exhaustion resulting in considerable loss. Although crocodile farms may in the future reduce pressure on wild populations, they can also contribute to a decline in numbers, and strict control over these farms is urged. Future management requirements include population surveys to determine breeding stocks and recruitment rates, an overhaul of legislation, an exchange of laws with neighbouring countries and strict control of commercial farms and tannery operators.