Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just a hypathetical question to cure my curiosity. I often see a lot of folks asking about or looking to acquire some of the more rare species of crocodilian, such as the chinese alligator, black caiman and slender snout crocodile (just to name a few).

What im wondering is if these animals became available and were even 100% legal to cross state lines, how many people would actually purchase them and what would one be willing to pay.

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No one posted a reply, so im guessing no one is really serious about wanting these species if they became available??

I figured a lot of people just "talk" here like yea I want a chinese alligator, where can I get a chinese alligator, etc.. etc .. But if it came down to it and they became available, im guessing very few would actually want one or be willing to pay for one.

I think the pet trade and average hobby keepers for the most part will spend $100-$300 for crocodilans, possibly going up to around $700-$1000 on more rarer species.

Just trying to get a feel as to how many people that show interest in animals are actual buyers and can afford to buy as compared to how many are window (i wish) shoppers.

Or when the pound/rescue would contact me and tell me they just found another "crocodile" in some local lake, park, or driveway.

Like pretty much all the other crocodilians in my care....

I actually saw a Chinese Alligator available. The dealer became very nervous when my jaw hit the floor. It was selling for somewhere over $2000 USD, quite a bit out of my price range. I have also seen an Indian Gahrial for just under $2000, unboubtedly taken from the breeding facility. Neither of them were legal, of course.

Michael

I´ve been looking for a chinese alligator, but have never seen one available... I think I would accept to pay arround $1500 or $2000...

also been looking for dwarf crocs, but I need a permit from US goverment, wich I cant get because I live in Mexico...

wish they can be in free trade som time...

best wishes

Rick

Chinese Alligators have a successful breeding program in China, very successful, but the problem is that there are no real suitable release sites, so they are crowded into their breeding facilities. Because of their plight in the wild, I do not foresee any CITES classification other than CITES I, but I do foresee more and more of these wonderful crocodilians being smuggled out of their crowded breeding facilities, like the one I had seen; I am sure it was smuggled out of a breeding facility.

Michael

Interesting, Were these animals available in the USA ?

No, not the US. They would probably be too hot for anyone to handle there. Let me just SE Asia. If you want specifics, please contact me directly.

Michael

The Osteolaemus are among some of the nicest of the smaller crocodilians to keep. The Chinese Alligators are adults and orgin from the Bronx Zoo.

Truly,

Paul Bodnar

no way...!!!

you must be the happiest croc owner...!!!!

have some pics ???

thanks

rick

Bigtank,

Yes please send an email and will send you a link for pictures.

Truly,

"Paul Bodnar"