American crocodile  (Crocodylus acutus)

Between the 1930s and the 1960s, the American crocodile was hunted for its skin, which was a popular material for bags and belts (3). The species was declared endangered in 1979 and is now legally farmed for its skins. Now, the major threat to wild populations is habitat loss as a result of increasing urban development. Illegal hunting and accidental encounters with fishing nets, cars and boats are still a threat (6).

Surveys and research into population statistics and behavioural ecology have proved extremely useful for recovery efforts in the United States, and are hoped to continue for more southerly populations. The American crocodile is fully protected in the majority of its range, but enforcement of this protection is inadequate, and legal hunters of caiman are known to illegally hunt American crocodiles as well. Management programmes have been set up in eight countries within the range, but they are commonly ignored. As well as reducing illegal hunting, crocodile farms can provide individuals for restocking the wild. For example, Venezuela contains much suitable crocodile habitat, but would benefit from restocking (3).