Are Alligators an Endangered Species?

No.  In 1987, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service pronounced the American Alligator fully recovered and consequently removed the animal from the list of endangered species.

Although the American Alligator is secure, some related animals (such as the Chinese Alligator and several species of crocodiles and caimans) are still in trouble. For this reason, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service still regulates the legal trade in alligator skins, or products made from them, in order to protect endangered crocodile and caiman species with skin that is similar in appearance.  "If you want to save an alligator, buy a handbag," says Ruth Elsey, a wildlife biologist at the state-administered Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana (Click Here for the full National Geographic News article). In fact, the demand for alligator products have enabled American alligator farms to fully reestablish the species from it's almost extinct category.

One of the most wonderful benefits of buying vintage or antique exotic skins is that you not only own one-of-a-kind items, but you are in effect "recycling" these beautiful skins!

If you are not in love with exotic skins yet, please view some simply fantastic video/audio coverage on the tanning process of alligator/crocodile hides Click Here!

What is the Difference Between Alligators and Crocodiles?

Many people have difficulty determining the difference between alligator and crocodile skin.  We have found that the best explanation and insight into the primary differences within the species is offered by the experts at www.alligatorfur.com.  They offer the following guidance:

Careful examination of the leather in a crocodilian product can give clear clues as to the species of origin. Products with large amounts of leather are generally easy to identify. Small products such as watch bands are much more difficult to distinguish. This is especially important since the quality of crocodilian leathers varies greatly by species. Alligators and crocodiles are considered classic leathers and are high quality and high price. Caiman is an inferior product, is much cheaper on a wholesale level, and is more abundant in the market. Although caiman has its place in the market, mislabeling has become such a problem that the buyer need beware. Many caiman products are marked crocodile or alligator and sold at the high prices of these classic leathers. Alligator is sometimes marked croc', and croc' marked alligator. Some of this is a cultural difference; Americans tend to call all "crocodile" alligator, and Europeans tend to call "alligator" crocodile. Upon close inspection, one will find that some large pieces have mixed leather in them. In the past it was fashionable to make a purse with alligator on one side and crocodile on the other. Today, due to product cost, it is not uncommon to see a purse with alligator or crocodile on the front and back and caiman on the sides with a caiman strap.

Identifying Leathers: Alligator Umbilical Scars

The single most distinguishing feature of alligator leather is the umbilical scar. The alligator is the only crocodilian that has this feature. Designers will often put this section of the leather prominently on their products to make the authenticity of the leather evident. As many as three may be used in making a purse. The umbilical scar is an elongated star shape with a webbing pattern in it. Finding this mark on leather identifies it as genuine alligator. Click on the small image to see a close-up of an alligator umbilical scar.

Click to enlarge

Pliability & Durability

Head Bumps

Another way the unpracticed eye can easily distinguish alligator leather is by counting the bumps on the back of the head. At the base of the head crocodilians have a pattern of bumps that is unique to each species. The alligator has a pattern of 2-2-2 bumps. Caiman have a pattern of 4-4-2, and crocodiles have 4-2. Click each small image to see a close-up.

Alligator 2-2-2

Caiman 4-4-2

Crocodile 4-2

Belly Scales and Patterns

The belly scales of the alligator and crocodile are smooth and pliable. This smoothness and the homogenous nature of alligator and crocodile skins allows dyes to distribute evenly in the leather. The bony deposits in the caiman skin will not allow dyes to distribute evenly and causes crinkling in the belly scales. If you see splotchy patterns in the dye, then you are looking at caiman.

The alligator has a slightly less even pattern than the crocodile with some irregularities appearing in the scales. As already mentioned the alligator has the umbilical scar and the crocodile does not. Notice the more even rows and pattern in the crocodile.

Alligator

Crocodile

Caiman

Click on the above images to see enlargements. The alligator's umbilical scar is indicated.

Crocodile - Integumentary Sensory Organ (ISO) Pores

The most distinguishing feature of crocodile leather is the integumentary sensory organ pore. Crocodiles have a sensory hair on each scale that is used to feel their environment. After the skin is tanned the hair is gone but the pore in each scale remains. Close examination of the product will reveal these pores. Click on the image to see an enlargement of the ISO pore.

Flank Scales and Patterns

The flanks of the alligator have dense scales of even sizes, while the flanks of the caiman have uneven sizes and spaced scales. Compare the images below to see the differences. Click the images for enlargements.

Alligator

Caiman