Zoologist Jordi Casamitjana looks at the farming of crocodilians, the most farmed reptiles in the world exploited mostly for their skin.
Humanity’s thirst for farming other sentient beings seems unquenchable.
Mammals, birds, and fishes are the most popular farmed animals in the world, but they are not the only ones. Although they may not necessarily be the type of animals that are farmed more every year in terms of the number of individuals (this sad record may go to crustaceans), they are probably the types of animals you will find on any average farm in your country. However, reptiles have also been farmed for their bodies in great quantities, and several species of crocodilians have been the most common victims of farming as they are big (and therefore they “produce” a lot of body mass and surface to exploit).
Crocodilians that are farmed continue being wild animals from a genetic point of view, so they have not been domesticated at all. Some species of crocodilians farmed are even endangered in the wild, and their farming may then be deceivingly justified as conservation, but it’s simply a profit-making industry aimed at selling the animals’ body parts (mostly their skin as crocodile leather, traded as a luxury item for bags, shoes, etc). Like any other form of animal farming, the industry prioritises profit over animal welfare and environmental sustainability and treats the animals as commodities whose suffering does not matter. This article will look at the truth of farming crocodilians.
Who are the Crocodiles?
Crocodilians are large, semiaquatic reptiles of the order Crocodilia who live throughout the tropics in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia. The term “crocodile” is often used to cover all species of this order (including alligators, caimans, the gharial and false gharial, but true crocodiles are just members of the family Crocodylidae).
Crocodilians, characterised by their powerful, elongated snouts, heavily armoured bodies, and laterally compressed tails, have remained relatively unchanged for millions of years. A key feature differentiating families within Crocodilia lies in the shape of their snouts. True crocodiles, belonging to Crocodylidae, tend to have more pointed, V-shaped snouts, with the fourth tooth on the lower jaw fitting into an external notch on the upper jaw when the mouth is closed. Alligators and caimans, belonging to the family Alligatoridae, have broader, U-shaped snouts, and their lower fourth tooth is concealed within a pit in the upper jaw. The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), a unique member of the Gavialidae family, is instantly recognisable by its extremely long and thin snout, specifically adapted for catching fishes. The false gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii), although previously classified with the gharial, is now considered to be more closely related to crocodiles, yet retains a narrower snout than most of the Crocodylidae family, presenting a more gharial-like appearance.
All crocodilians are ambush predators with excellent low-light vision and powerful jaw muscles capable of delivering crushing bites. Like most other reptiles, crocodilians are ectotherms (their body temperature varies with the temperature of the environment), so they are found mainly in warm and tropical areas, usually occupying freshwater habitats (though some can live in saline environments). They are generally solitary and territorial, though they sometimes hunt in groups. During the breeding season, dominant males try to monopolise available females. They lay eggs in holes or mounds and they care for their hatched young (which is unusual in reptiles).
Most farmed crocodilians belong to four species, the Saltwater crocodile, the Nile crocodile, the American alligator, and the Siamese Crocodile. Less commonly farmed species include the New Guinea Freshwater Crocodile (Crocodylus novaeguineae), the Cuban Crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer), and the Morelet’s Crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii).
The Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), also known as the estuarine crocodile, is the largest living reptile and the biggest of all crocodilians. It is found in coastal areas of northern Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, and as far west as Sri Lanka and eastern India. Adult males can reach lengths of 6 to 7 meters, and they are characterised by a heavy-set jaw with 64-68 teeth, a grey tail with dark bands, and the ability to thrive in both freshwater and saltwater environments (they possess lingual salt glands that allow them to excrete excess salt). They are highly territorial, especially during breeding season, and females protect their nests until eggs hatch. They can be found in coastal waters, river mouths, freshwater rivers, and swamps. In the wild, these crocodilians live up to 70-80 years, but some reports suggest they may have lived over 100 years in captivity.
The Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) is another large crocodilian, known for its widespread distribution across Africa (throughout sub-Saharan Africa, the Nile Basin, and Madagascar). They can grow up to 5-6 meters in length and have olive-brown or bronze colouration with darker markings, and four rows of bony scales on the back. They are known for being quite aggressive, and they can do cooperative hunting. Their habitats are rivers, lakes, and marshlands across Africa. In the wild, these crocodilians live from 50-70 years.
The American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is a large predator reptile from the southeastern United States (primarily Florida and Louisiana). Males can reach lengths of 3.4 to 4.6 meters, they are dark grey or black, and they have a rounded snout with only the upper teeth visible when the mouth is closed. They are less aggressive than true crocodiles. Their habitat is freshwater environments including rivers, swamps, and marshes. They are estimated to live between 30 and 60 years.
The Siamese Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) is a critically endangered species, facing severe threats in the wild. Although historically found across Southeast Asia, the Siamese Crocodile is now found primarily in Cambodia, Laos, and Indonesia. They are generally smaller than other crocodile species, reaching lengths of 2.5 to 3.5 meters. They have relatively smooth scales and an elevated bony crest behind the eyes. Their habitat is freshwater environments including rivers, lakes, and marshes.
Crocodile Farming
The commercial farming of crocodiles began in the mid-20th century as wild populations declined due to poaching and habitat destruction. In the 1950s, between 5 and 10 million crocodile skins were produced annually, being the most commonly farmed African species. Initially marketed as a conservation strategy, farming was said to reduce poaching by meeting market demand. However, evidence shows wild populations were recovering even before the introduction of farming practices. Additionally, the demand generated by farming has often fuelled illegal trade, undermining conservation efforts.
The industry expanded significantly in the 1980s and 1990s, with Thailand, Vietnam, and Australia emerging as major producers. Today, crocodile farming is a multi-billion-dollar industry, with Thailand alone hosting the largest number of farms globally.
There are three main ways to farm crocodiles: 1) Intensive production systems (factory farms) where the animals are bred, grown, and killed on the farm, 2) Ranching (capturing wild crocodiles for breeding stock), and 3) Harvesting of eggs and hatchlings from the wild.
The global crocodile farming market was valued at $6.3 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $19.2 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.8%. Around 1.5 million crocodiles are slaughtered annually for their skins, primarily to supply the luxury fashion industry. Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, South Africa, and Australia dominate this market, with significant operations also in the United States and China. The hide of the Nile crocodile can fetch up to $10,000 per square foot in some parts of the world.
The Saltwater crocodile is farmed for leather and meat in Southeast Asia, Australia, Papua New Guinea, and surrounding regions; the Nile crocodile is predominantly farmed in Africa, particularly in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya; the American alligator is largely farmed in the United States, particularly in southern states like Louisiana and Florida; and the Siamese Crocodile is farmed extensively in Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. These reptiles are farmed for their skins, meat, oil, and claws, with skins being the primary commodity used to manufacture luxury leather goods.
In the Australian Northern Territory and Far North Queensland, the crocodile skin industry is farming crocodiles at a rate of over 150,000 slaughtered annually, fuelling 60% of the world’s crocodile skin trade. Crocodiles and their eggs are taken from Australian bushland to be farmed. In the Northern Territory alone, up to 70,000 eggs and 140 live crocodiles can be taken from the wild, annually.
What’s Wrong with Crocodile Farming
Crocodile farming involves breeding and raising these animals under harsh conditions. Reports frequently describe overcrowded tanks and concrete pens, where crocodiles are exposed to artificial lighting and temperature control to maximise growth rates. Stress-induced aggression, injuries, and disease are common. In the farms, crocodiles are deprived of the conditions needed for natural behaviours to emerge and are subjected to immense stress.
The crocodiles are often kept on a concrete slab or metal grate with no protection from the sun, and they are fed an unhealthy diet. Most crocodilians keep a body temperature between 28 and 33 degrees Celsius, but on farms, body temperatures can reach 36 degrees Celsius, which affects the animals’ immune systems, and puts them at risk of various illnesses.
In 2021, new footage given to the Kindness Project by the Farm Transparency Project revealed the appalling conditions endured by Australian saltwater crocodiles held captive on farms owned by French fashion house Hermès and its suppliers. According to PETA, “The investigation documented how crocodiles on these farms are confined to cramped cages or small concrete pits filled with filthy water before they are electrocuted, dragged, and mutilated – some while still conscious. The footage shows one animal trying to get up after a worker has cut the back of his neck open with a blade and inserted a screwdriver into his skull in an attempt to scramble his brain.”
Killing methods are often inhumane and focused on preserving the quality of leather rather than minimising suffering. Documented methods include bludgeoning, electrocution, and even live skinning, highlighting the brutality of this industry. In Australian factory farms, the crocodiles are slaughtered when they are just 2-3 years old, often with a shot to the head, followed by the severing of their spine with a knife.
Crocodile farming also consumes vast amounts of water, contributes to habitat destruction, emits many greenhouse gases, and generates pollution from effluents.
There have been many campaigning efforts to abolish the farming and hunting of crocodilians for their skin. On the 17th of October 2024, a PETA activist wearing a “snakeskin” leotard emblazoned with the words “Armani: Drop Wild-Animal Skins” on the back disrupted a Giorgio Armani fashion show at the Park Avenue Armory in New York, US, and appealed to the designer to ban the skins of tormented wildlife from his collections. Bearing a sign showing a graphic photo of a bloodied alligator, the activist poured blood over her head and walked the catwalk before being grabbed by security and dragged out of the building. Afterwards, another activist came on the runway as well.
Crocodile farming is indefensible. These reptiles, like all sentient beings, deserve to live free from harm and exploitation. The industry’s foundation — the commodification of living creatures for luxury goods — is an affront to the principles of veganism. The growing availability of ethical alternatives to animal leather offers a pathway away from this unethical exploitation.
The farming of Crocodilians is yet another form of animal agriculture that must be abolished.
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