Croc Hides Make Some Good Stuff
As you may have already heard, crocodiles are on the Endangered Species List. This 200 million year old reptile, which has existed on the planet for all that time with little change to its form, was almost rubbed out during the 20th century. In the years between 1900 and 1967 crocodiles were nearly hunted to extinction. Fortunately laws were enacted to reverse this trend and they’re slowly making a comeback but they’re not out of the woods yet.
Crocodiles are unique and fascinating. They’ve changed little in their 200 million years here on earth and remain almost prehistoric in nature. They’re found all around the globe including such places as Africa, Asia, Australia and both North and South America. Their numbers in the wild are steadily dwindling in most parts of the world.
Crocodiles and alligators are similar in many respects and most people don’t know one from the other. They are, in fact, in different genealogical families altogether, although they are first cousins. The easiest way to tell one from the other is by the coloring. Crocs are lighter-colored, usually appearing as a light olive brown. Gators are darker and appear to be almost black in color. Looking at the snout you’ll notice that an alligator’s nose is U-shaped and broad. A crocodile’s is narrower, more tapered and resembles a ‘V’.
Alligators and Crocodiles can both be very dangerous but the gators seem to be less aggressive and will usually attack only if provoked (or hungry). Crocs, on the other hand, are known to be quite territorial and the males will aggressively protect their territories. They are faster than you might think and are responsible for killing many people each and every year (especially in Africa).
Crocodile hides have been used for some time in the manufacture of certain items including croc wallets, briefcases, luggage, shoes and handbags. These products are imbued with a special touch of distinction and, when well made, can be very pricey and yet many feel well worth the price. A well-made item fashioned from crocodile leather can last a lifetime if properly maintained.
Crocodile watchbands are certainly uncommon but always striking. The hides from these prehistoric creatures render leather accessories of uncompromising quality. Pulling out a croc wallet, for example, will never fail to turn heads and let those around you know you have a certain sense of style.
By the way, skins to make croc accessories aren’t typically hunted down in the wild. The animals are now raised on farms (mostly in southeast Asia) where their purpose is to sacrifice their lives for the meat and skins that are collected and used in several different manufacturing processes. The meat is considered a delicacy in many countries. The leather goods created are in a class of their own.
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