The Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), native to northern Australia, was hunted for its valuable skin and because it was considered dangerous to people and livestock. Crocodile hunting began in earnest in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and reached its peak after World War II, especially from the 1940s to the 1960s. During this period, tens of thousands of crocodiles were killed each year across the Northern Territory, Western Australia, and Queensland.

By the early 1970s, Saltwater Crocodile populations had plummeted. In some parts of northern Australia, especially the Northern Territory and Queensland, they were driven to the brink of extinction. The lack of regulation allowed overexploitation and illegal poaching, resulting in a catastrophic decline in numbers. In 1971–1972, the Northern Territory, Western Australia, and Queensland governments banned commercial crocodile hunting and provided legal protection for the saltwater crocodile.

Commercial Saltwater Crocodile farming’s origins lie primarily in the Northern Territory, but significant operations also exist in Queensland and Western Australia. As of 2023, there were more than 20 licensed crocodile farms in Australia and the commercial exploitation is growing, with the majority of production concentrated near Darwin in the Northern Territory, which houses the largest farms and the industry’s main processing facilities. Queensland has several smaller-scale facilities, and Western Australia’s farms are fewer but significant.

The commercial exploitation of the Saltwater Crocodile results in the processing of between 20,000–30,000 skins annually, with the numbers of animals in captivity fluctuating, but estimated at roughly 100,000–150,000 at any point in time.

Catchment: Farms supply both farm-raised and ranch-raised crocodiles (the latter being eggs collected from the wild, hatched, and raised for commercial use).

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A great global success storey in international conservation of species

We should be grateful and acknowledge the contribution of Australia in stopping the imminent extermination of an animal that has existed on Planet Earth for a very very long time and until the very recent period had an extensive distribution, well beyond then shores of the Australian Continent. It is therefore shameful to now begin destroying that global contribution for poorly thought through economic gain. The frontline workers now exploiting these animals will suffer the most when the activity moves further down the value chain.

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Animal welfare codes and their currency

Australia likes to suggest it mandates compliance with welfare codes for crocodile management. Yet again these claims are questionable:

• The "Code of Practice on the Humane Treatment of Wild and Farmed Australian Crocodiles" (2009, endorsed by Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment) is the primary document guiding farmed crocodile welfare.
• The 2009 code states that this edition of the Code will be reviewed in five years.
• The Code discusses housing, handling, stocking densities, feeding, slaughter, and transport. It is supported by state/territory animal welfare statutory provisions.
• The Code was last fully reviewed in 2009; animal welfare groups and some government reports have suggested the need for updating to reflect evolving science and international expectations (as of 2024, there has been no major, formal revision published).
• Farms are regulated under state/territory animal welfare, environment protection, and conservation laws (Northern Territory’s Animal Welfare Act 1999, Nature Conservation Act 1990), a law which is seen as deeply flawed and has done little to protect Australian species from mass slaughter and endangerment. The Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines (for Saleyards and Livestock Transport) do not yet specifically cover crocodilians.

On the killing of Saltwater Crocodiles for commercial gain the code states:

“The killing of wild crocodiles can only be undertaken under a permit from the appropriate state or territory authority. A permit should only be issued to people with appropriate training or demonstrated experience. Use of firearms must comply with relevant state or territory legislation. In captivity, killing of crocodiles generally involves raising stock destined for processing into skins and flesh. Depending on the method being used, crocodiles may be killed after being restrained or while free-ranging within an enclosure. For specimens in the wild, depending on size and whether the crocodile is secured on a rope or line, secured within a capture device, or is free-ranging, the methods of dispatch vary. Due to the variety of situations in which crocodiles may have to be killed, various options are outlined below. For a humane kill, the International Union for Conservation of Nature Species Survival Commission (IUCN-SSC) Crocodile Specialist Group currently recommends total destruction of brain function by either humane captive bolt pistol or appropriate calibre bullet directly to the brain, or by instantaneously severing the spine behind the head and immediately inserting a rod into the brain (pithing)”.

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Value and end use: Skins and meat

Value of skins:

• Saltwater Crocodile skins are among the most valuable exotic leathers, prized for uniform scale patterns and softness.
• Primary end use: Luxury fashion goods including handbags, wallets, shoes, belts, and watch straps, sought by international luxury brands.
• Skins are primarily exported; farm-gate price: Premium grade skins can fetch AUD $500–$800 each (2023 prices), with top grade skins sometimes exceeding AUD $1,000/skin.
• Australia's crocodile skin exports are valued at AUD $20–30 million annually (varying with fashion demand).

Value and Use of Meat:

• Crocodile meat is a secondary product. It is sold domestically and exported, marketed as a novelty or speciality product.
• Retail value: AUD $20–$40/kg (restaurant quality), lower for processed products.
• End uses include restaurant dishes, sausages, and processed items—mainly for domestic tourism-related food experiences, but with some exports (mainly to Asian markets).

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Animal welfare prosecutions or investigations

As per the standard conduct one can expect from Australian authorities when it comes to the cruel treatment of Australian wildlife, no major prosecutions of saltwater crocodile farms in Australia for animal cruelty have been reported in public records as of 2024.

There have, however, been:

• Investigations: Australian regulators conduct periodic audits and inspections, typically in response to routine checks and non-compliance including enclosure standards and health related issues, or in response to public complaints.
• Welfare concerns: Include egg collection practices and the adequacy of slaughter methods, and there have been allegations of overcrowding or sub-optimal housing, but there have been no widely publicised, court-based animal cruelty findings.

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Exports and main destinations

Australia is a global leader in Saltwater Crocodile skins exports.

• Export volumes: 20,000–30,000 skins annually and growing.
• Top customer countries: France (dominant, especially for fashion houses), Italy, Singapore, Japan, and the United States.
• Meat: Export volumes are modest compared to skins, with Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore as main overseas markets.

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Saltwater Crocodiles in Australia and the pet food trade

This is one of the most shocking results of the commercial exploitation of the magnificent Saltwater Crocodile. The use of crocodiles in pet food products.

The claim is that:

“By-products’ from crocodile farming and processing are being  utilised by the pet food industry, providing ‘a sustainable revenue stream for crocodile farms, minimizes waste, and offering novel protein sources for companion animals, particularly for those with allergies or needing exotic proteins”.

What will happen, just as it has done in the case of Australian Kangaroos (all the cultural and economic signals are the same) as the world rejects the idea of exploiting wildlife, will be that pet food will be the main reason these types of industries to survive. So heading down market and down the value chain fast and a long way from sustainable.

So what are dogs and cats in Australia eating when it comes to the Saltwater Crocodile?

• Raw & Processed Pet Meat including pet mince: Ground meat and off-cuts (muscle, fat, and some organ meats), sold raw or frozen as high-protein food for dogs and cats. Chub rolls/sausages: Blended and portioned products, sometimes with added nutrients or vegetables.
• Dehydrated & Freeze-dried Treats:
• Crocodile jerky: Slices of meat dried for shelf-stable, protein-rich treats.
• Freeze-dried chunks: Retaining more nutritional value, these are lightweight and easy to serve.
• Organ treats: Dehydrated liver, heart, or other organs featured for their nutritional profile.
• Novelty Chews:
• Dried bones, tails, or skin: Used as chews for dogs, offering enrichment and dental benefits.
• Canned/Wet Foods:
• Crocodile used as the primary or secondary protein source in canned wet pet foods—often marketed toward pets with food sensitivities.

Specialty Products:

• Hypoallergenic pet foods: Claims are that because crocodile is a novel protein for most pets, it’s featured in diets formulated for pets with allergies to common meats (chicken, beef, lamb). That bit might be scary for humans, try thinking why.
• Prescription or veterinary diets: Sometimes recommended for pets with complex dietary needs.
• Regulatory Notes: We have to laugh - Australian regulation (state and federal) ensures that crocodile pet food products are sourced, processed, and labelled safely, particularly to prevent zoonotic disease transfer and to track exotic protein use in pet diets. The use of crocodile products in pet food supports conservation through sustainable use, helping value live animals and farmed populations. Looks just like what is said about Kangaroos.

We wonder about any evidence for the silly claims being made about the benefits of cats and dogs eating Crocodile left overs. Perhaps ask your local RSPCA in Australia.

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Australian Freshwater Crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni)

The Freshwater Crocodile is farmed in some facilities for skins and meat but forms a small fraction of the commercial market. Its skins are of lower commercial value, with lower demand in fashion markets compared to saltwater crocodile.

Primary drivers for farming remain Saltwater Crocodiles; a small number of Freshwater Crocodiles are included in commercial operations, but not at the scale or profitability of saltwater species. Product (skins and meat) from the Freshwater Crocodile is sometimes included in domestic trade and minor export, but it is not a major player in Australia's international wildlife trade.

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The Impact of the 2032 Olympic Games on the Saltwater Crocodile in Queensland

As of mid-2024, the Queensland Government and Olympic organizers have stated intentions to minimize ecological disruption caused by preparations for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. However, large-scale infrastructure projects always carry potential risks for local wildlife. Specific concerns and likely impacts include:

Habitat Disturbance: Most Olympic infrastructure projects are focused in urban or peri-urban Brisbane, far from core crocodile habitats in Far North Queensland. However, any expansion in coastal development, increased tourism, or waterway modifications and sporting use can indirectly affect crocodile habitats and management.

Tourism Pressures: The Olympics will bring an influx of tourists. This may increase the risk of human-crocodile encounters in northern Queensland, leading to greater demand for crocodile population control, already occurring as some of Queensland’s politicians are already promoting the idea of killing more crocodiles in the wild. As a result, Queensland authorities have crocodile management plans in place and it is highly probable that swift actions to kill crocodiles will become a mainstay of the precautionary response. How much emphasis by the Queensland Government if given to ‘croc education’ remains to be see. The Olympic Organising Committee will need to keep an eye on conduct and outcomes in relation to Australian species as a result of the games.

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Crocodiles and people in Australia

The most likely types of people to be attacked by a Saltwater Crocodile in Northern Australia

• People fishing from riverbanks, boats, or near water’s edge are particularly at risk.
• Locals Living in Remote Areas: Residents of remote or Indigenous communities, especially those who regularly travel by boat, bathe, or collect water from rivers and creeks.
• Tourists unfamiliar with the risks, who may ignore warning signs or underestimate danger.
• Children due to their smaller size and tendency to play near the water’s edge.
• Especially those swimming in rivers or estuaries where crocodile warning signs are present.

Demographics

• Mostly adult males (involved in fishing, boating, or hunting activities).
• Indigenous populations have historically been overrepresented.

Most likely behaviours to lead to an attack by a Saltwater Crocodile in Australia

• Alcohol is often a risk factor by lowering inhibitions and awareness.
• Swimming in unsafe waters, entering creeks, rivers, estuaries, or mangrove areas where Saltwater Crocodiles live.
• Standing close to the edge of the water, especially on low banks, making it easy for a crocodile to lunge.
• Camping on riverbanks or near the water’s edge without proper precautions.
• Ignoring warning signs and deliberately swimming or recreating in areas signposted as dangerous.
• Collecting water or crossing rivers.

Saltwater Crocodile attacks in Australia

Saltwater crocodile attacks remain rare.

During the 1980s as populations began to recover there was one fatality in every one to two years, slightly higher for non-fatal attacks at 1 to 2 every year. Numbers remained similar during the 1990s. In the period 2000 to 2019 there were one to two fatal attacks every year and two to four non-fatal attacks. Since 2020 the number of fatal attacks have declined to less than one per year with non-fatal attacks again lower than the previous period. There have been somewhere in the region of 50 lethal attacks in Australia since 1980, that is 1.1 deaths per annum in the period. It is not a good way to die.

Climate change is having an impact on the distribution of Saltwater Crocodiles in Australia and this will mean crocodiles may end up living in new coastal regions further to the south.

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