Thursday, December 26, 2019

Eating Crocodile Meat

The crocodile needs to be looked after and not allowed to become dead like the Dodo. Recent events in Australia are a warning and steps need to be taken to conserve the crocodile.

The Crocodile is an Endangered Species


 Recently in Australia authorities found heads of 70 crocodiles stuffed in a freezer. Hunting a crocodile is banned in Australia and can earn a 5-year jail term.

Crocodiles are protected species in Australia and only a few are killed in case they become a danger to human habitation. Thus authorities have to answer how the crocodile heads turned up in the freezer. So far no arrests are made and one can only hope some action will ensue.

Another fact I am unable to digest is people eating crocodile meat. A friend has written to me that Crocodile meat is served in all places in the USA. I am told Crocodile meat is a delicacy in Louisiana state of USA - the alligator variety. The tail meat is costlier. One can get 'Gator burger' or 'Alligator Smoked Sausage' and other preparations in some of the restaurants, available more in the 'French Market' area along Mississippi river in New Orleans city.

There are alligator farms where they are bred and reared only for commercial purpose (human consumption). Alligator heads (after the taxidermy) from very small to large sizes are displayed and sold in different shops as a souvenir. Cost varies between $ 15 to $ 50. Visitors are naturally surprised to see that alligator meat is consumed by the inhabitants. NatGeo channel shows 'Alligator hunting".

Despite this, I do feel crocodile hunting needs to stop. You can't kill one in India, where wildlife laws are strict, yet aberrations take place. Talking of crocodiles, their skin is worth a fortune in the fashion market with women leading the way. It's about time this was stopped. 

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