The CSG network of experts advises governments and wildlife management agencies,
evaluates the conservation needs of crocodilian populations, initiates research
projects, conducts surveys of wild populations, provides technical information
and training, initiates conservation programs, etc. The CSG's operating budget
to undertake these activities is derived almost entirely from private donors,
with some additional funds being sought for specific conservation and management
programs.
The CSG actively works with countries to conserve their wild crocodilian
populations. Some crocodilian producer nations allow the regulated harvesting of
crocodilians for skins and meat to supply the international market. The CSG
works closely with the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
(CITES) to ensure that such legal international trade is sustainable. Every
legal crocodilian skin is marked with a CITES-approved, non-removable tag issued
by Government, which allows tracking of skins through trade, until they are
converted to products.
Today, trade in crocodilian skins from unregulated exploitation has been largely
replaced with skins from sustainable management. More than 30 countries use wild
harvests, ranching or captive breeding to produce crocodilian products from 12
species, to supply international trade - but this is on the understanding that
such use is not detrimental to the survival of the species in question. As a
result, the 11 most commercially valuable crocodilian species are also those
that are least threatened with extinction.
The CSG supports the philosophy that incentives for conservation can and have
been generated by the marketplace. The economic importance of the resource has
led directly to stronger institutional arrangements specifically for
conservation and sustainable management, and illegal international trade, which
flourished before CITES encouraged legal trade, has been all but eradicated.
The CSG is currently engaged in a number of programs to conserve endangered
crocodilian species such as the Chinese Alligator, Philippine
Crocodile, Siamese Crocodile, False Gharial and Indian
Gharial. In order to undertake and maintain this important conservation
work, the CSG must actively seek financial resources. Your support, no matter
how small, can make a difference.
You can support the CSG’s worldwide conservation efforts to conserve the 23
species of crocodilian in different ways, including:
Make a monetary contribution in support of the CSG (complete Donation Form).
Subscribe to the CSG newsletter (complete Subscription Form).
Volunteer to participate in CSG activities, including meetings and workshops,
and/or be directly involved in field research and conservation programs
(contact csg@wmi.com.au for more information).
Donate equipment that can be used in conservation programs in developing
countries.
To learn about these and other options to support the CSG (eg funding for
specific conservation projects), please contact the CSG Executive Officer, Tom
Dacey (csg@wmi.com.au).
