a come back to stay?

[Paleosuchus]

23 species of crocodilian, 4 critically endangered and most others are either vulnerable or endangered. One that comes to most peoples mind is the good ol' american alligator ( alligator mississippiensis). What a come back, from near extinction to having an estimated one million plus walking the southern US. Since near extinction the laws have become tighter and tighter. Sure hundreds of people love this animal, fear this animal, and find this animal facinating and want it here to stay. But then again some dont, and at times it seems like those are the kind of people that rule out.
Alligator farming is a multi million doller industry, with some what of around 300,000 pounds of meat a year. Aswell as illegal butchering not counted. Seen it numerous times. Since this 300,000 pounds of meat is farm raised it has no affect on wild individuals. But will it lead up to it? I know here in south florida on a Sanibel Island, 6 feet and over i believe alligators have been issued to be killed. Is this true 6 feet+. Nope, who really will find out if they pop a hatchling in its head? What i am wandering is what you all think will happen to the american alligator? since there are so many are we going to slack alittle and struggle again to keep it from becoming extinct? An crocodilians in general, what about the critically endandered individuals such as the chinese alligator, or philippine crocodile?

[KrokadilyanGuy3]

I highly doubt anyone would be knocking off hatchlings due to the fact most farmers are for the skin than anything else. Plus hatchlings are not exactly the meatiest of animals so it just won't work. Same with most crocodilians under 3' Just not worth the fine. Wild populations are having an affect by farming, mainly that's what spurted the population. Farmers must release 60% (I believe) of hatchlings into the wild in most states. So if anything it's helped. Ideally speaking. I don't think anything will happen to alligators, at least not in any near future and definitely not in Fl.
As for the other animals, most if you count individual numbers are not as endangered as one would think. Most, including sinensis have literally numbers up into the thousands, the only problem with this is it's all in captivity. So I honestly don't think any of the describe species and ssp will go extinct anytime soon. The only problem we face is where and how can we start or help sustain wild populations. Every ideal place in China is inhabited by people that dont generally care and the only areas left are still being killed. Even though they are protected. So it's more ideal areas and ideal conditions that we should further look into, why breed so many animals when there's no place for them to be in the wild?
Zane

[Paleosuchus]

Hey, i didnt know farmers released 60%, sheded some light on that subject. I always looked at farmers with a mean eye. Thanks for the reply and information, Jason

[KrokadilyanGuy3]

No problem. I use to have a hatred for farms but being I am a farmer (Not for crocodilians) I finally realized the similarity of it. About the percentage, I'm not sure what the requirements are for each state, however this is true for the state of Texas. I believe it's true for Fl as well. The other states, I'm not sure if releasals are an absolute.
Zane

[Paleosuchus]

Just to refer back to what you said about how they will overlook hatchlings and other smaller american alligators, thats probably 100% true for a farmer, etc.. for hide and meat. On the other hand wardens that go out and there mission is spacifically to kill gators ( for an example sanibel island,here) to prevent them from growing and becoming a dangerous animal and nuisance, the smaller are fare game in there eyes. Why pass up a animal that will cause you trouble in the future? But to this standard there is not a large amount killed to cause any damage, as i believe you stated earlier. Although farmers ( speaking crocodilian farmers) do let go 60% of what they raise, do you think they want to? I would say no, just money down the drain. I still have hatred towards them, there letting allot go, yes..but on the other hand its becuase they are made too.. I guess some people may call me soft, but when it comes to crocodilians or any species of reptile i get pissed either way..farming and letting 60% go or not..i think it is still wrong. Just my 2 cents, thanks jason

[KrokadilyanGuy3]

You have them all wrong. No alligator in any state is killed to prevent attacks. Alligators are killed if they do present a danger. These alligators are then questioned by legible trappers. Wardens cannot kill a gator, unless it's an actual attack during their presence. Normally an alligator is not killed, even by the trapper. Most calls are due from paranoid people, the warden's make the choice to what happens to the gator. And sadly, sometimes it's needed. Alligators must be 4'+ before it can even be considered a threat so none smaller than that is killed. It is illegal, for anyone unless it's actually attached to someone's limb. Even when hunting seaon is around, none younger than 4' is to be caught.

The farmer's I'm sure they don't, however it is the agreement and it is highly regulated so if there's fraud going on, there's a large fine and possible shut down. All animals die in one way or another, the way I see it, I would rather be farmed. I mean free meals and plenty of good company. Then when you're at the prime of your life, you get your head generously chopped off so you don't have to live through the suffering of old age. Not only that, but you can die with the satisfaction of knowing that somebody is going to enjoy something made out of you. What's more humane? Being slaughtered for meat or having to spend 8 hours a day, 40 hours per week in a cubicle for the rest of your life?
Plus, if there wasn't any farming, I can assure you the killing of these guys would be far more extensive. I don't agree with it all and all, I do understand it though.
Zane

[Piers]

every place were there is croc or alligator farming the wild population has improved. Like it or not farming is usually good for wild populations. As I understand it most farms are set up because the wild populations are very low and these farms are to reintroduce animals into the wild and for the skin trade. This also reduces wild adults being killed and pays for the release of youg crocs.
Better a farmed animal than a wild one that gets turned into a purse.
Piers

[JHherpetofauna]

I am just getting this information form the herpetologist on sanibel. From his own words, the gators there are killed pretty much on the spot 4 or 6 feet cant remember exact length. This information is based on from what he has heard. He has stated hatchling , juveniles,etc.. are all killed..because noone really cares. Sanibel is a tourist, and older folks area and most want them gone. But i believe you are correct, Zane. thanks, jason

[KrokadilyanGuy3]

Ah, I forgot about the new city ordinance about alligators after the landscaper was attacked not too long ago. Luckily though, from what I know, it's still a questionable decision and the vote may be reinstated. Zane

[Paleosuchus]

Some girl from up north just got attacked by a gator. an to make it worse the gator actually ate her. So everyone is freaking out and going nus, this is the last thing we need here. Although it was her fault, she went swimming in a golf course lake. Makes me question those northerners :P.

[KrokadilyanGuy3]

Yeah, gotta love people who swim alone and in the middle of the night.