Paul Brendenkamp, the CEO of Croc Skin Traders and the South African Crocodile Industry Association chairperson, joins this edition of Farmer’s Inside Track to share the basics of crocodile farming.
In warm, tropical regions, crocodiles are nocturnal hunters that live in rivers and swamps. Crocodile farming is a potentially lucrative industry in Mzansi – especially with their skin and meat – but it takes a lot of effort, capital, and knowledge to succeed.
The early years
The crocodile industry started in the 1960s and the need to protect the wild population was identified in 1975 when it was registered as an endangered species. As time passed, the crocodile industry has done well, especially in South Africa as a niche farming practice.
However, there has been a massive decrease in crocodile farming in Mzansi since 2016 and even more so since Covid-19. “There were about 80 farmers and currently there are about 30, maybe even fewer involved in the specific practice. Crocodile farming is protected and managed by the Department of Environmental Affairs,” Bredenkamp says.
Where to start?
According to Bredenkamp, it is essential to follow the correct procedures to start crocodile farming in Mzansi.
Start with your local environment department and nature conservation, and department of forestry, fisheries and the environment, he advises. There is an application process that you need to go through.
Normally Limpopo, North West, and a few regions in KwaZulu-Natal (mainly northern Natal) are where the best farming areas are.
“If you are not in those areas, you are advised to rethink crocodile farming because of the environment. Secondly, if you are in the area, start approaching the correct departments,” he says.
In this episode, Bredenkamp also discusses:
- Input costs for crocodile farming;
- Breeding season intel; and
- Water requirements for successful crocodile farming.
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