Indeed, in 1969, the existing 23 species of crocodilians were at the edge of extinction or quickly headed there. In 2000, after 30 years of valiant efforts from the conservation point of view, one third of crocodilians (8 species) are abundant enough to allow a regulated commercial hunting, another third (8 species) are saved from extinction but they can not afford yet a commercial utilisation, and a last third (7 species) is still in danger. This confirms the importance of sustainable use in realizing conservation principles.

The American alligator has come off the US endangered species list, and in some areas is being raised commercially while substantial hunting quotas are allocated for wild animals. At times, its abundance and the size of older individuals have resulted in situations of social objection to its presence, as the creatures have menaced people and their domestic animals. A similar situation occurs in some African countries and in China, where farm families often feel threatened by the Nile Crocodile and the rare and protected Chinese alligator, as it lurks in ponds and irrigation ditches.

Australia is known for its large and aggressive salt water crocs, as are other areas of the South Pacific. Contrary to the claims of protectionists, it is now a fact that many croc species can sustain substantial commercial exploitation. When commerce is regulated carefully, the result is a welcome balance between the size of the gene pool of these Pleistocene leftovers, and their co-existence with man. The modern world treasures their wild existence, their success in ranching and breeding farms, and the unique exotic hide products that are manufactured into shoes, handbags, brief cases, and other items.

This fall, an International Workshop on the Captive Breeding of, and Control of Trade in, Crocodylia in China, was held in Guangzhou, China from August 30th through September 3^rd. This gathering was co-sponsored by the Department of Wild Fauna and Flora Conservation of the State Forestry Administration of China, and the Crocodile Specialist Group of IUCN SSC. Presentations included papers on the current policy and status of the captive breeding of Crocodylia in China, and on future strategies for support of this program, papers on the current captive breeding programs of Crocodylia elsewhere in the world, and on control of trade in the products of these breeding programs.

The IUCN Crocodile Specialist Group held their Regional Meeting for two days, and the participants of the general meeting enjoyed a visit to a breeding farm in Guangdong Province.