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January, 2017

Research on Crocodile Farming

AZAS SHAHRIER PERSONAL RESEARCH

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CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3

INTRODUCTION 4

DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING CROCODILE FARM IN BANGLADESH 5

REQUIREMENT THAT MUST BE FULFILL TO START UP A COMMERCIAL CROCODILE FARM 5

LICENSING 6

CITES REQUIREMENTS 6

GEOGRAPHICAL CLIMATE REQUIREMENT 6

TRAINING 6

SELECTING A SUITABLE SITE 7

CONSTRUCTING BUILDING 7

FEEDING 7

CARE 7

FARM LOCATION 8

PEN CONSTRUCTION 9

MANAGING A CROCODILE FARM 10

NUTRITION AND FEEDING 10

POPULATION DENSITY 12

BREEDING 12

DISEASES AND PARASITES 12

KILLING, SKINNING, AND TANNING 13

MODERN CROCODILE FARMING 13

MARKET SCENARIO OF CROCODILE PRODUCT 13

PRICE OF CROCODILE PRODUCTS 15

MAJOR BUYER AND SELLER 15

WHY BANGLADESH IS SUITABLE FOR CROCODILE FARMING? 15

RISK RELATED WITH CROCODILE BUSINESS 16

CROCODILE SPECIES 17

LIST OF CROCODILE FARMS IN BANGLADESH 20

CONCLUSION 21

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Commercial crocodile farming business is part of a complex industry. It is very profitable, but

requires a large amount of initial investment for 3 to 4 years. Lots of money have to be spent

before the crocodiles are grown enough and suitable for selling their skins or meat in the

international markets. Some areas around the world are suitable for commercial crocodile

farming, although success is not guaranteed in this business. Usually larger crocodile farms are

more viable and profitable than smaller farms. More about the necessary steps for starting and

running crocodile farming is addressed in this report.

The report represents a study on commercial crocodile farming in Bangladesh. Which includes

“Reptiles Farm Limited” and “Akij wildlife farm limited” the only two commercially registered

crocodile farms of Bangladesh. The research covers how to set up a crocodile farm, why

Bangladesh is suitable for crocodile farming, who are the main buyers and sellers of crocodile

products, demand of crocodile products to analyze prospect of crocodile business in Bangladesh.

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INTRODUCTION

In recent years, different donor agencies, World Bank and our government are trying to promote

investment in agro-business sector. The Industrial Policy 2004 and 2005 identified Agro-base

businesses as one of the thrust sectors in Bangladesh and offered special support for the sector.

Only few young entrepreneurs have taken the opportunities offered by donor agencies and

government to invest in unconventional livestock farming. Mushtaq Ahmed, the founder Managing

Director of Reptiles Farm Limited is one of those rare individuals. His idea of commercial crocodile

farming came as a shock in year 2004. But now his unconventional vision is a reality and attracting

a lot of attention.

The first commercial crocodile farm in Bangladesh, Reptiles Farm Ltd. started with 75 breeding

crocodiles imported from Malaysia in October 2006. This was originally a BDT. 60 million project

with some adjustments on the way. The farm bought 15 acres of land in Bhaluka and utilized

about 6 acres for the existing crocodile project. The juveniles are to be nurtured for another two

years before they can be harvested for belly skin which is of high demand in the world market.

This EEF (Equity and Entrepreneurship Fund) funded this project.

The farm needed permission from a number of local and international bodies and had to convince

a special committee to get the partial funding from EEF. The company is registered with Registrar

of Joint Stock of Companies as private limited company and has a vision of expanding the

business in other areas like snakes, butterflies and bees in future. The farm is the only CITES

registered (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and

Flora, also known as the Washington Convention is a multilateral treaty to protect endangered

plants and animals) commercial captive breeding facility in entire SAARC region. The farm also

wants to expand their activities in producing crocodile feed. The company currently has a

functional lab to conduct relevant research. The farm has 15 full time employees and uses local

unskilled labor force based on requirement. The farm had significant impact on the local economy

and development and thus get optimum co-operation from the local people.

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DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING CROCODILE FARM IN BANGLADESH

The first commercial crocodile farm reptile farm ltd established themselves as a pioneer in

crocodile business in Bangladesh. Successful history of reptile farm encourages Akij wildlife farm

to come forward in this sector as a second commercial crocodile farm in Bangladesh. After getting

their permission from forest department, ministry of forest & animal resource, Akij wildlife farm ltd

started their operation on 22nd September, 2008. It is situated at 271, Tumbru, Ghumdhum,

N.Chori, Bandarban, Bangladesh. Akij group has invested BDT. 10 crore in this project. Initially

they started with 50 big crocodiles those were imported from East Malaysia. At present this farm

is run by 15 employees. Each and every employees is well trained by local and foreign experts.

This full time employees look after the entire farm under supervision of an experienced manager.

Crocodiles are salable when they reach at the age of three years and 1.5 meter length. Besides,

they hope to cover their entire investment within 7 years. Its main purpose is to export crocodile

products like skin, meat, bone, teeth etc. in world market in a view to earning foreign exchange.

Moreover, Akij wildlife farm ltd. plans to acquire a large market share in the world market. The

farm had significant impact on the local economy and development and thus get optimum co-

operation from the local people.

REQUIREMENT THAT MUST BE FULFILL TO START UP A COMMERCIAL CROCODILE

FARM

Authorization: Forest Department, Ministry of Forest & Animal Resource

Area: Minimum 15 acre as per law

Capital: BDT. 10-12 crore

Working capital: BDT. 50 thousand per week

Employee: 15 (they must be trained up)

Research: Mandatory

Infrastructure: 1. breeding pen

2. Incubation room

3. Different shade for different age’s crocodile

4. Food office building

5. Outer boundary

Crocodile: Baby crocodile or semi mature crocodile

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LICENSING

Crocodiles are wild animal. They need to be licensed for raising them commercially. Contacting

with Forest Department, Ministry of Forest & Animal Resource, and asking them for the

procedures of getting a license for starting this business is imperative. If a suitable environment

is made already for raising them commercially, then it will be much easier to get the license.

CITES REQUIREMENTS

The Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species (CITES) needs to be fully

complied with in the trade of any part of the crocodile. Both the seller and the purchaser need to

comply with CITES requirements and certification. Compliance is required to export skins from

South Africa. CITES permits and tags on skins demonstrate that the skins are from farm bred

animals and not illegally poached. Under CITES regulations all skins must be tagged. These tags

give details of country of origin, year of skinning and an individual number. This is necessary for

the protection of wild crocodile populations. An approved CITES skin tag needs to be attached to

each skin as soon as is practicable after its removal from the crocodile carcass. This tag remains

attached whether the skin is in an unprocessed or tanned state (that is, the tag remains attached

to a whole skin during and after the tanning process). Tags are be locked to the final 5–10 cm

(approximately) of the tail.

GEOGRAPHICAL CLIMATE REQUIREMENT

For every type of crocodile, climate is very important due to the sex and fertility are determined

by temperature & humidity. Besides for its survival there must be 30-35° Celsius temperature. In

natural environment crocodile fertility rate is 80% but in farm condition fertility rate is 60%. So it is

necessary to ensure 32°C temperature and 99% humidity for getting crocodile’s maximum fertility.

TRAINING

Before starting, it will be advised to visit some existing commercial crocodile farms. The needs to

be trained is terms of properly handling the reptiles.

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SELECTING A SUITABLE SITE

Selecting a suitable site for starting crocodile farming business is mandatory. An area should be

chosen where wild crocodiles can live naturally. Considerations must be taken for crocodile’s

breeding and growing. Ensuring good transportation system is advised in case of an emergency.

CONSTRUCTING BUILDING

Usually an area of about 800 square feet cooler, freezer and storage space is suitable enough for

housing the incubation room. No nursery is needed in the incubation room, as the grow-out

building holds the new hatchlings. A grow out building with about 5,000 square feet space is ideal.

Different people develop building designs include concrete block, wood, or metal buildings. But

all are thoroughly insulated and rest on a heated concrete foundation. Crocodiles require a

consistent temperature of 86° to 88° Fahrenheit or 30° to 31.1° Celsius. So hot water pipes should

be used to run through the concrete for providing a consistent temperature in the building. Electric

heating coils can also be used. Additional buildings should be constructed for keeping different

aged crocodiles separated from each other.

FEEDING

For proper growth, healthy feeding is a must. These reptiles have to be provided with fresh foods.

Farmer or the person responsible for raising and maintaining the crocodiles has to keep a stock

of fresh frozen meats on hand. Usually beef, chicken, deer, fish, horse meat etc. are used for

commercial crocodile farming business. For ensuring a proper growth, proper feeding rates must

be used. For the first year, the proper system is to feed them 25 percent food per week according

to their body weight. Then the amount of feed has to be reduced to 18 percent by their third year

of age. Adequate amount of food should be provided otherwise, overfeeding can cause

gout/disease in crocodiles.

CARE

Crocodiles must be kept stress-free. Because a stressed crocodile may develop brown spot

disease. This disease creates discolored spots on the hides of the crocodile, and it reduce their

value. The space for them cannot be overcrowded in the hutches. Crocodiles don’t congregate

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except the breeding season. Limited number of crocodiles should be kept in a single pen/hutch.

Outside noise also needs to be minimized by insulating the building. The pens needs to be

cleaned on a regular basis. Agitate the crocodiles before, during or after feeding is strongly

prohibited. The pen cleaning process can be performed in the morning.

FARM LOCATION

Reliable supplies of good water and suitable food are the most important considerations for

establishment of a crocodile farm; the area selected must have both. Village farms also need to

be close enough to wild crocodile populations for the animals to be obtained easily. Larger farms

can be located farther from the source.

For small farms, a natural supply of food should also be readily available in the wild. Areas that

have a fishing industry are ideal locations. For large farms, sites near slaughterhouses or fish-

processing facilities are ideal.

Other considerations also include the volume of water available throughout the year, the distance

over which water must be piped to the ponds, and pumping costs. The quality of the water should

be established, with samples tested for salinity and acidity and, where the supply comes from

mineral springs, analyzed for harmful chemicals. Chlorinated water must be tested regularly to

ensure that the chlorine content is not too high, and the nature of any factory effluents present

should be determined. It is important to establish whether fish, frogs, crabs, mollusks, or aquatic

insects survive in the water intended for use.

The ponds should receive as much sun as possible, particularly during the winter months. A series

of winter air temperature recordings would be useful in choosing the site of rearing pens,

Preference should be given to the warmer locations, taking into account the direction of local

winds and heavy rains.

Soil types are the next consideration. If soils are sandy and porous, earth ponds are impractical

and a concrete lining is required to retain water.

Drainage of the ponds must be carefully considered. Drainage is far easier if the ponds are built

on a slight rise. Water from the ponds must not be allowed to stagnate nearby; the drainage

system must be efficient.

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PEN CONSTRUCTION

Pens with rounded corners are the most successful. Crocodiles frequently choose to lie together

in a pile. Square corners allow them to pile up against the angle, smothering those on the bottom

and sometimes allowing animals to climb over the fence. With rounded corners, the pile cannot

grow very high before the crocodiles slide sideways and the heap collapses.

The pools are best built as channels. This provides more bank for basking and enables the pools

to accommodate more crocodiles. Because the larger males become belligerent only when they

can see each other, floating logs, patches of grass, or channel corners are visual barriers that

reduce interactions. The channel system also gives more water edge, and this appears to satisfy

the territorial instinct.

Crocodiles are famous for basking in the sun, but they die surprisingly easily of heat prostration.

At least one-third of the land area of a farm pen should be shaded with vegetation. The amount

of space around each pool is calculated to allow sufficient basking space for each animal, and an

area of shade must likewise be provided.

On land, crocodiles often seek contact with each other and frequently lie piled on top of each

other, but this should be a matter of choice rather than of overcrowding. There should be few

enough animals in the enclosure to allow every crocodile to get out of the water if it chooses.

An important requirement is that the pools be at least 60 cm in depth; otherwise, the water

becomes too hot in summer. The pool floor should be sloped towards the drain outlet to facilitate

cleaning and flushing away uneaten food. Also, the outlet pipe should be 10 cm in diameter, with

a stopcock outside the enclosure, so that the pool can be cleaned and emptied efficiently. It is

essential to place a screen in the drainpipe to prevent small crocodiles from escaping or being

sucked out of the pool during cleaning. After some time, stagnant ponds may become difficult to

clean because of the heavy growth of algae on their sides. Hard-bristle scrubbing brushes are

needed to dislodge this growth. Small amounts of copper sulfate in the water will help control

algae if used regularly.

The entire pond and surrounding apron must be smoothly plastered to facilitate cleaning. It helps

to have a water source close to each pool from which a hose pipe can be led to pressure spray

and clean the pool and its apron.

For small crocodiles it is advisable to roof over the entire pen with wire netting or cries-crossed

strands of wire. This protects against predators. Further, young crocodiles can climb vertical wire

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netting with ease and will escape unless the enclosure is either roofed or has side walls that slope

inwards. A skirting board (planking, sheet iron, tin, or plastic sheeting) placed against the wire

netting can also prevent this. If wire netting is used for the sides of the pens it should have

mesh/webbing no larger than 1 cm so that hatchlings will not injure themselves by trying to climb

through. While these pools are being cleaned, care must be exercised to prevent crocodiles from

falling into the empty pool.

Water can be passed continuously through the pools. The advantage of this is that during hot

summer weather, when crocodiles are feeding at their maximum rate, small uneaten food

particles, feces, and urine are carried away. Constant dilution of the pond's water also ensures a

low bacteria level. However, the pool must be drained and scrubbed clean at least weekly.

Because of the animals digging capabilities, it is important to provide a strip of land 4 m wide

between the pool's edge and the boundary fence. Otherwise, crocodiles may tunnel beyond the

fence line. Fences must be buried at least 1 m deep to intercept the holes and to prevent predators

from digging in. Digging, however, can be hazardous, because the holes can collapse and

suffocate the animals.

MANAGING A CROCODILE FARM

It is a problem to sort the young crocodiles. From one clutch of eggs, some individuals will be

aggressive and others may be shy or extremely timid; growth may vary from rapid to very slow,

with a few individuals classed as runts.

Larger animals can be so dominant that smaller individuals will not even attempt to feed. If sorting

is not done, the smaller, less-aggressive individuals do not get a fair share of the food; they grow

slowly and get bitten and harassed by the larger animals. At feeding time, some will flee to the

opposite side of the pen and stop feeding altogether. Keeping the young animals sorted into

classes of the same size avoids many of these problems.

NUTRITION AND FEEDING

Despite the crocodilian's reputation as a man-eater, small wild crocodiles live mainly on

invertebrates and larger ones live mainly on fish. They can be fed a varied diet of locally caught

fish, crab, shrimp, frogs, snails, grasshoppers, beetles, and slaughterhouse waste. Bones in

chopped fish must be minced/mashed thoroughly for hatchlings (very young crocodiles), or they

should be fed very small fish supplemented by tadpoles or insects. Remarkable success can be

achieved in rearing hatchlings on a diet of chopped fish and live freshwater shrimp.

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Fish is an excellent food for the bulk feeding of a large captive population. Whole fish chopped

into pieces, including the livers and hearts, forms a balanced diet that may be supplemented by

meat, if available, to make up bulk. Small whole fish are particularly suitable; the crocodiles derive

calcium from the bones and scales, plus roughage to facilitate digestion, while the flesh, liver, and

heart are rich in nutrients and protein. The main difficulty usually lies in harvesting enough fish to

meet the crocodiles' demands.

Crocodiles also can be fed on a variety of wastes such as offal or noncommercial fish. Ideally, a

large-scale farm should be located near a poultry slaughterhouse. (Cattle offal is also satisfactory,

but it is not nutritionally adequate as a sole ration for crocodiles.) Even crocodile offal itself can

be fed back to crocodiles. However, the use of offal will necessitate dietary supplements to assure

sufficient phosphorus and calcium. These minerals are generally provided by feeding bones to

the crocodiles.

Crocodiles usually consume their food in the water, but they can also be fed on land. They will

eat daily, but are able to remain active for weeks without food. If they are fed in the water of a

farm pen, the water will become polluted unless there is considerable flow to carry away the

remains. In extreme cases, the pools become infected. To ensure the health of the growing

animals, constantly flowing water is far superior to standing water.

It is important to know the amount of food that each group of animals will consume at each meal.

By feeding at the same time each day, it is easy to calculate how much is required. Moreover, the

crocodiles become accustomed to a routine and the food is consumed while it is still fresh. In the

hot summer months the animals will consume a full meal every 24 hours, but the feeding rate

decreases/relaxes with the onset of colder weather. It is then wise to start reducing frequency and

quantities until food is required only depending on the climate. Generally, young crocodiles will

refuse food when the air or water temperature falls below 60°F (15.6°C). Even in midsummer

sudden cold spells may occur; at such times, it is usually useless to feed the animals or try to

force them to eat until the weather warms up again.

During hot weather conditions it is preferable to feed late in the afternoon or evenings, mainly to

avoid placing the food on a hot cement surface. The food should be spread out around the edge

of the pool under the shaded area so that the animals do not have to climb over one another to

reach it.

In cemented pens the area where the food is laid out should be cleaned and cleaned two hours

after feeding time and any uneaten food removed from the water with a hand net. In earthen

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pools, the food should be placed at a different spot along the bank at each feeding. A useful aid

to hygiene is keeping a few predacious fish in each pool to clean up scraps of uneaten food.

POPULATION DENSITY

Twenty-five crocodiles are considered the maximum manageable number per unit; staying within

this limit reduces competition for food, bullying and fighting, and the number of injuries. A low

stocking rate also results in a more even average growth rate. Most important is the fact that the

overall health of the crocodiles is better than in a more crowded pen; disease problems are fewer

and the symptoms easier to detect in a small group. If the units are spaced 8 m apart, there is

also less danger of infectious disease spreading to other pens. The cleaning of pens is facilitated,

and the disturbance caused by capturing crocodiles to be moved to other units is minimized.

Housing 500 crocodiles in groups of 25 will require 20 separate pens, and an additional two pens

should be provided to allow for intensive care of sick, injured, and weaker animals.

During the first year, when animals are graded frequently, they will often be moved from one pen

to another. Recording the number of animals housed in each pen will make it possible to keep

track of numbers and movements.

BREEDING

Reproduction is impossible when crocodiles are kept in large groups composed of different

species and sizes and in more or less unnatural enclosures.

Healthy, sexually mature pairs of crocodiles are usually not enough to start a breeding program.

Genetic diversity to maintain a long-term breeding group must be considered, and certain

environmental factors are vital for success. The distinct size and age classes of a free-living

population must also be taken into consideration.

DISEASES AND PARASITES

Disease symptoms may be easily overlooked if the observer is not familiar with the behavior of

crocodiles under a variety of conditions. It is essential to know how they normally walk, swim,

sleep, feed, and bask in relation to the time of day, the air and water temperatures, and the amount

of sunlight or rain, by day, by night, and at different seasons of the year. Caretakers should notice

the appearance of feces from healthy animals to be able to detect evidence of diarrhea, and to

identify misaligned teeth and weakened limbs to detect nutritional deficiencies. Eggs are critically

dependent on specific temperature and moisture requirements if the embryos are to develop

normally.

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It is recommended that whenever possible animals found newly dead should be dissected and

vital organs such as the brain, heart, lung, liver, spleen, kidney, and stomach removed for

veterinary research. Blood slides should also be taken and waste samples collected. The various

specimens must be carefully labeled, frozen as quickly as possible, and packed on ice in a

vacuum flask for immediate dispatch to the nearest veterinary research institute or pathologist.

Alternatively, dying animals may be sent live for research purposes.

KILLING, SKINNING, AND TANNING

Some farmers kill the crocodiles themselves, but many rear the animals and then sell them to a

larger concern that is better equipped to deal with the skins. Killing is done most quickly and

humanely by catching the crocodile with a noose and severing the spinal cord just behind the

skull.

Many hides are ruined or severely damaged during skinning. Even a single hole resulting from a

slip of the skinning knife may reduce a hide's value by 25 percent.

Although salt remains the universally used preservative for raw hides, the reptile leather industry

has developed chemical fixatives that are used in addition to salt for preserving hides for tanning.

Most of these pre-tannage fixatives are liquid and require soaking the hide in a vat, which may

not be feasible in remote areas.

MODERN CROCODILE FARMING

Crocodile farming is a form of intensive animal farming. Raising requirements are similar for all

crocodilian species, although some aspects vary and are species-specific. For example, the

Siamese Crocodile (C. siamensis) is considered a good “farm” species relative to the Saltwater

Crocodile (C. porosus). The latter is much more territorial and aggressive.

MARKET SCENARIO OF CROCODILE PRODUCT

It is a matter of great surprise that whole crocodile market is around $140 billion dollar. It’s a huge

market. Various products are produced from different body parts of crocodile. Some example are

given below;

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Parts of body Product

Meat Food

Skin Belt, Purse etc.

Bone Perfume, Flavor

Teeth Ornaments

Claw Key ring

Blood Pharmaceutical

SKIN

In the world market the Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) skin is the most valuable one

because of its relatively small scale size and lack of osteoderms (small bones) in the belly scales.

Total market size for the crocodile skin is approximately one billion dollars per annum. In 1990,

the world trade in quality Saltwater Crocodile skins was estimated to be about 150,000 per annum.

It has increased substantially in recent years. Competition in the skin trade comes primarily from

crocodiles and alligators produced in Papua New Guinea, Africa, Asia (Indonesia and Thailand)

and North America. Under CITES regulations, all skins must be tagged giving details of country

of origin, year of skinning and an individual number. Crocodiles are valued primarily for their skins,

being manufactured into designer products such as belts, shoes, boots, handbags, purses,

wallets and briefcases. Skins are also manufactured into hatbands, wristbands, guitar straps,

trophy skins, and other products.

MEAT

In addition to skins, crocodiles are farmed for their meat. Small but increasing quantities of

crocodile meat are being produced for the domestic market. As the meat is produced for human

consumption, like cattle and sheep, health and hygiene standards must be met. A single 1.5m

crocodile gives about 6kg of meat; cuts include tail fillet, eye fillet, leg meat, body meat and jowls

(jaw muscles). Crocodile meats are of high demand in Australia and some other European

countries.

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OTHERS

In addition, other body parts are manufactured for the tourist trade, and include heads, skulls,

teeth, backscratchers, key tags, or entire taxidermically prepared animals.

PRICE OF CROCODILE PRODUCTS

In world market per kg meat of a crocodile is around $27 to $30. Crocodile skin is very valuable

because various kinds of things are produced from it. When adult crocodile belly is 37 to 47 cm

width then it is appropriate to collect skin. In world market per cm skin is around $22. In world

market the ladies bag made out of crocodile skin purely is estimated to be around $15000.

MAJOR BUYER AND SELLER

Major buyer of crocodile products are Australia, America, Europe & other developed countries.

Besides China is the largest buyer of crocodile meat, 90% world market is controlled by Australia

& Papua New Guinea. Along with America, South Africa & Zimbabwe are also major seller.

WHY BANGLADESH IS SUITABLE FOR CROCODILE FARMING?

Bangladesh has ideal geographical climate. In many countries the climate must be created with

an artificial environment for crocodile farming. In Bangladesh there is no need to create an artificial

environment.

In developed countries labor cost per hour is minimum $30. Therefore; comparing to other

country’s labor costs, Bangladesh’s labor cost very cheap. So crocodile farming in Bangladesh is

very profitable. Already Bangladesh govt. has given permission for establishing commercial

crocodile farm. Bangladesh government has also established crocodile farming act to facilitate

crocodile farming. Since crocodile farming has great prospect, many commercial bank are

interested in providing loan facilities. Around the world there are 23 types of crocodile. Among

them demand of salt water crocodile is very high. Due to natural reasons only few countries can

produce salt water crocodile. Fortunately, Bangladesh is one of them. In exporting crocodile

products Bangladesh gets tax-free entrance in European market.

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RISK RELATED WITH CROCODILE BUSINESS

There is a risk associated if govt. change its policy regarding crocodile.

Long time is required to reach break-even point about 6 year.

Death of crocodile before reaching maturity.

Shortage of expert/skilled human resource in this sector.

Crocodile products are grading in accordance with its quality. If the product quality is not

maintained to international standards there may be a risk of under valuation of price.

Such as; 1st grade : 100%

2nd grade : 75%

3rd grade : 50%

4th grade : Little or no payment.

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CROCODILE SPECIES

Species name Type Distribution Description/Comments

American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus)

Freshwater + Brackishwater

Throughout the Caribbean Basin, including many of the Caribbean islands and South Florida

A larger sized species, with a greyish color and a prominent V-shaped snout. Prefers brackish water, but also inhabits lower stretches of rivers and true marine environments. This is one of the rare species that exhibits regular sea-going behavior, which explains the great distribution throughout the Caribbean. It is also found in hypersaline lakes such as Lago Enriquillo, in the Dominican Republic, which has one of the largest populations of this species. Diet consists mostly of aquatic and terrestrial vertebrates. Classified as Vulnerable, but certain local populations under greater threat.

Slender-snouted crocodile (Crocodylus cataphractus)

Freshwater

Central and Western Africa

A medium sized species with a narrow and elongated snout. Lives in freshwater habitats within tropical forests of the continent. Feeds mostly on fish but also other small to medium sized vertebrates. Possibly belongs to its own monotypic genus, Mecistops.

Orinoco crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius)

Freshwater

Colombia and Venezuela

This is a large species with a relatively elongated snout and a pale tan coloration with scattered dark brown markings. Lives primarily in the Orinoco Basin. Despite having a rather narrow snout, preys on a wide variety of vertebrates, including large mammals. It is a Critically Endangered species.

Freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus johnsoni)

Freshwater

Northern Australia

A smaller species with a narrow and elongated snout. It has light brown coloration with darker bands on body and tail. Lives in rivers with considerable distance from the sea, to avoid confrontations with saltwater crocodiles. Feeds mostly on fish and other small vertebrates.

Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis)

Freshwater

Endemic to the Philippines

This is a relatively small species with a rather broader snout. It has heavy dorsal armor and a golden-brown color that darkens as the animal matures. Prefers freshwater habitats and feeds on a variety of small to medium sized vertebrates. This species is Critically Endangered and the most severely threatened species of crocodile.

Morelet's crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii)

Freshwater

Atlantic regions of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala

A small to medium sized crocodile with a rather broad snout. It has a dark greyish-brown color and is found in mostly

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various freshwater habitats. Feeds on mammals, birds and reptiles. It is listed as least concerned.

Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)

Freshwater + Brackishwater

Sub-Saharan Africa

A large and aggressive species with a broad snout, especially in older animals. It has a dark bronze coloration and darkens as the animal matures. Lives in a variety of freshwater habitats but is also found in brackish water. It is an apex predator that is capable of taking a wide array of African vertebrates, including large ungulates and other predators. This species is listed as Least Concern.

New Guinea crocodile (Crocodylus novaeguineae)

Freshwater + Tolerant to Saltwater

The island of New Guinea

A smaller species of crocodile with a grey-brown color and dark brown to black markings on the tail. The young have a narrower V-shaped snout that becomes wider as the animal matures. Prefers freshwater habitats, even though is tolerant to salt water, in order to avoid competition and predation by the saltwater crocodile. This species feeds on small to mid-sized vertebrates.

Mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris)

Freshwater

The Indian subcontinent and surrounding countries

This a modest sized crocodile with a very broad snout and an alligator-like appearance. It has dark-grey to brown coloration with enlarged scutes around the neck, making it a considerably heavy armored species. Prefers slow moving rivers, swamps and lakes. It can also be found in coastal swamps but avoids areas populated by saltwater crocodiles. Feeds on a wide array of vertebrates.

Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)

Saltwater + Brackishwater

Throughout Southeast Asia, Northern Australia and surrounding waters

The largest living reptile and most aggressive of all crocodiles. It is a big-headed species and has a relatively broad snout, especially when older. The coloration is pale yellow with black stripes when young but dark greenish-drab colored as adults. Lives in brackish and marine environments as well as lower stretches of rivers. This species has the greatest distribution of all crocodiles. Tagged specimens showed long-distance marine travelling behavior. It is the apex predator throughout its range and preys on virtually any animal within its reach. It is classified as least concern with several populations under greater risk.

It is a small but extremely aggressive species of crocodile that

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Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer)

Freshwater

Found only in the Zapata Swamp of Cuba

prefers freshwater swamps. The coloration is vibrant even as adults and the scales have a "pebbled" appearance. It is a relatively terrestrial species with agile locomotion on land, sometimes displays terrestrial hunting. The snout is broad with a thick upper-jaw and large teeth. The unique characteristics and fossil record indicates a rather specialized diet in the past, preying on megafauna such as the giant sloth. This species sometimes displays pack-hunting behavior, which might have been the key to hunting large species in the past, despite its small size. Today most prey are small to medium sized vertebrates. It is Critically Endangered, and the remaining wild population is under threat of hybridization.

Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis)

Freshwater

Indonesia, Brunei, East Malaysia and southern Indochina

A fairly small crocodile that prefers freshwater habitats. It has a relatively broad snout and olive-green to dark green coloration. It feeds on a variety of small to mid-sized vertebrates. Listed as Critically endangered, but might be already extinct in the wild; status is unknown.

West African crocodile (Crocodylus suchus)

Freshwater

Western and Central Africa

Recent studies revealed that this is distinct species from the larger Nile crocodile. It has a slightly narrower snout and is much smaller compared to its larger cousin.

Dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis)

Freshwater

Western Africa

It is the smallest of all living crocodiles. It belongs to its own monotypic genus; however, new studies indicate there might be two or even three distinct species. It is a heavily armored species with uniform black coloration in adults, while juveniles have a lighter brown banding. Lives in the tropical forests of Western Africa. Feeds on small vertebrates and large aquatic invertebrates. It is a fairly terrestrial species and exhibits terrestrial hunting, especially at night. This species is classified as Vulnerable.

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LIST OF CROCODILE FARMS IN BANGLADESH

1. Reptiles Farm Limited

Corporate address: 56, Purana Paltan Lane, Room-11-12, 10th Floor, Dhaka-1000

Location: Hatiber village of Uthura union under Bhaluka, Mymensingh.

2. Akij Wild Life Firm Limited

Address: Remote hill district of Bandarban 'Naiksyanchari' on the mountains ghumdhum

3. Karamjal Crocodile Breeding Center / Karamjal Wildlife Reproduction Centre

Address: Chandpai range on the bank of Pashur River of the Sundarbans east zone,

Bagerhat

Government established the breeding center under Chandpai range of the Sundarbans

in Mongla upazila in 2002 aiming to breed and rear the endangered saltwater crocodiles.

4. Sangu Matamuhari / Sangu Wildlife Sanctuary (Non-commercial)

Address: Bandarban District, Chittagong Division, Bangladesh (Governing body -

Bangladesh Forest Department)

No. of species: 56 species of reptiles.

5. Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary (Non-commercial)

Address: Hunarughat of Habiganj district

No. of species: 18 species of reptiles.

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CONCLUSION

Keeping and breeding of crocodile in the captivity is an effective protective measure. Breeding

also makes possible to commercially exploit crocodiles legally within the framework of CITES. It

is found that control of air temperature and air humidity can improve hatching rates. It is also

observed that protection from predators and providing provisioning food may increase survival

rate of young crocodiles.