BioTrade Designer’s Toolkit: Morelet’s Crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii)

AT 3 Sustainable Materials Fashion Industry Biodiversity/Ecosystems/Community Impact Review ESIGNER’ TOOLKIT CROCCOODDYLUS MORELETTI CCC York Geneva, 2014 Note designations employed presentation material publication imply expression opinion whatsoever part Secretariat United Nations legal status country, territory, city area, authorities, delimitation frontiers boundaries. views expressed publication author necessarily reflect views United Nations. UNCTAD/DITC/TED/2012/4 UNITED NATIONS PUBLICATION Copyright © United Nations, 2014 rights reserved Acknowledgements publication prepared United Nations Conference Trade Development (UNCTAD) BioTrade Initiative Burak Cakmak. UNCTAD acknowledge Comisió Nacional para el Conocimiento Uso de la Biodiversidad (CONABIO), Direcció General de Vida Silvestre – Secretarí de Medio Ambiente Recursos Naturales (DGVS-SEMARNAT), Procuradurí Federal de Protecció al Ambiente (PROFEPA), Mexican Customs Authorities, Comisió Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas, Mexican producers researchers valuable information publication. recognition Marí de la Paz ópez, Manuel Muñiz, Marco Novelo, Jesú Cota, Hesiquio Benítez, Alejandra Garcí Naranjo Gabriela ópez. publication developed Swiss State Secretariat Economic Affairs (SECO)–UNCTAD partnership, BioTrade Facilitation Programme – Phase II. publication, BioTrade Designer’ Toolkit: Morelet’ Crocodile Crocodylus moreletii. Sustainable Materials Fashion Industry: Biodiversity / Ecosystems / Community Impact Review product BioTrade Initiative, part Division International Trade Goods Services, Commodities (DITC), UNCTAD. part larger effort UNCTAD analyze trade-related issues importance developing countries. study benefited inputs Lorena Jaramillo, Adrienne Stork, Eduardo Escobedo Yvonne Paredes. desktop formatting Rafe Dent. Guillermo Valles Director Division International Trade Goods Services, Commodities iii Contents Note ..................................................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................................... ii . INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 1 . Material specifications ............................................................................................................ 1 1. Taxonomy ......................................................................................................................................... 1 2. Common names ............................................................................................................................... 1 3. (etymology) ............................................................................................................................. 1 4. General characteristics skin .................................................................................................... 1 . Facts ...................................................................................................................................................... 2 1. Distribution ....................................................................................................................................... 2 2. Habitat .............................................................................................................................................. 3 3. Reproductive biology ........................................................................................................................ 3 II. MARKET OVERVIEW ............................................................................................. 5 . Sourcing insights .................................................................................................................................... 6 1. Legal trade ....................................................................................................................................... 6 2. Parts derivatives trade ............................................................................................................ 6 3. Actual potential trade impacts ...................................................................................................... 6 . Harvest overview .................................................................................................................................... 7 1. Exporters .......................................................................................................................................... 7 2. Tanneries .......................................................................................................................................... 7 . National utilization ................................................................................................................................... 7 1. Commercial applications ................................................................................................................... 7 2. -products ...................................................................................................................................... 7 . Trade policies .......................................................................................................................................... 9 1. National legislation ............................................................................................................................ 9 2. International regulations .................................................................................................................... 9 3. Law enforcement .............................................................................................................................. 9 III. BIODIVERSITY-BASED MATERIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REVIEW ............... 11 . Conservation overview .......................................................................................................................... 11 1. Conservation status ........................................................................................................................ 11 2. Principal threats .............................................................................................................................. 11 3. Illegal trade ..................................................................................................................................... 11 4. CoPan Project ................................................................................................................................ 12 5. Morelet’ Crocodile Monitoring Programme ..................................................................................... 12 . Sustainable .................................................................................................................................... 12 1. Management units conservation wildlife ................................................................................. 12 2. Captive breeding ............................................................................................................................ 13 3. Sustainable programmes .......................................................................................................... 14 4. Slaughter methods ......................................................................................................................... 14 . Ecosystem habitat impact .............................................................................................................. 14 1. Role species ecosystem ............................................................................................... 14 2. Habitat conservation benefits .......................................................................................................... 14 . Access benefit sharing/community benefits .......................................................................................... 15 References ................................................................................................................................................ 16 Notes ........................................................................................................................................................ 18 Contents 1I. Introduction . INTRODUCTION conservation sustainable biodiversity creating opportunities developing countries’ trade investment, small medium-sized enterprises dealing biodiversity products. Trade species Morelet’ crocodile tool enhancing development ensure market demands met sustainably managed harvesting methods promote conserva- tion species native ecosystem. present, commercial harvest wild specimens Morelet’ crocodile international trade allowed domestic legislation States covering range species (Mexico, Guatemala Belize). addition, Mexico abundant cap- tive population species (“closed-cycle” captive- breeding operations). species’ inherent ability recover, coupled conservation efforts, ban wild harvests species, designation protected areas, promotion closed-cycle operations, contributed recovery Morelet’ crocodile. proved presence native range region. , status species Mexico continue established Morelet’ Crocodile Monitoring Programme, intended cover range distribution future. . Material specifications 1. Taxonomy Class: Reptilia. Order: Crocodylia. Family: Crocodylidae. Genus species: Crocodylus moreletii (Bibron Duméril, 1851). Scientific synonyms: Crocodylus americanus moreletii. 2. Common names English: Belize crocodile, Morelet’ crocodile, Central American crocodile. French: crocodile de Morelet. German: beulenkrokodil. Portuguese: Crocodilo-de-Morelet, Crocodilo-Mexicano. Spanish: cocodrilo de Morelet, cocodrilo de pan- tano, lagarto negro. 3. (etymology) Crocodylus derived Greek krokodeilos means literally “pebble worm” (kroko = pebble; deilos = worm, man) referring appearance crocodile. Moreletii means “ Morelet”, French naturalist ... Morelet (1809–1892) discovered species Mexico 1850. 4. General characteristics skin Morelet´ crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii) reptile reach 3.5 metres length, av- erage 2-2.5 metres (Levy, 1991; Perez-Higareda al., 1991; Smith Smith, 1977; Subcomité écnico Consultivo para la Conservació, Manejo Aprovechamiento Sustentable de los Crocodylia en éxico (Technical Advisory Subcommittee Conservation, Management Sustainable Crocodilians Mexico) (COMACROM), personal communication). produce skins 40 centimetres. Individuals reach considerable length short period (growing 40 centimetres maximum 2 metres 4 years). colour adults olive-yellow dorsal area, large black markings tail . ventral area pale creamy-yellowish tone (Alvarez del Toro, 1974). Morelet´ crocodile considered belong clas- sic skin group medium-sized species broad snout (Platt al., 2010; Meerman, 1994; Smith Smith, 1977), wide body small osteoderms ( bony deposits forming skin scales plates). belly small scales specific patterns 27 32 rows section. Morelet´ crocodile hides unique “fingerprint” individual, patterns ventro-lateral ventral region imbricate rows scales. ways skinning. International trade requires skins obtained belly cuts. national special orders individuals skinned horn cut. case Morelet’ crocodile, dorsal section presents small osteoderms special designs. Due average content calcium oxide (forming osteoderms) skin shaved thinly obtain thicknesses 3 millimetres. transformation manufacture high quality goods 2 BIOTRADE DESIGNER’ TOOLKIT MORELET’ CROCODILE Crocodylus moreletii delicate articles worn direct contact human skin ( , gloves). proportion belly scale width total skin optimal bigger products, -piece handbags, shoes, similar products. thin, soft, resistant flexible skin Crocodylus mo- reletii desirable commercialization (BOSTID, 1983). . Facts 1. Distribution distribution range Morelet’ crocodile includes slopes coastal plains Gulf Mexico Yucatan Peninsula ( elevations 900 metres), northern eastern Guatemala, Belize. Mexico represents close 85 cent global range Crocodylus moreletii (figure 1; Platt al., 2010; Ross, 1987). potential distribution species, calculated means Desktop GARP software (CONABIO, 2005) basis spe- cies’ records, produced map highest probability area occurrence. result yielded potential area 450,000 square kilometres Belize, Guatemala Mexico, 396,455 square kilometres Mexico (figure 2). final results, 51 cent area distribu- tion covered original vegetation (202,169 square kilometres), approximately 25,277 kilometres area provide optimum habitat species Mexico. 2. Habitat Morelet’ crocodile lives areas covered tropical forest savannah, slow-flowing water bodies, swamps lagoons. natural habitat floating submerged emerged plants continuous availability aquatic terrestrial prey (Ross, 1998; Álvarez del Toro Sigler, 2001; Lee, 1996, 2000). 3. Reproductive biology species reaches sexual maturity 6 Figure 1. General distribution Crocodylus moreletii Source: Cedeñ-ázquez, .., Platt, .. & Thorbjarnarson, . (IUCN Crocodile Specialist Group) 2012. Crocodylus moreletii. : IUCN 2013. IUCN Red List Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. www.iucnredlist.org. Downloaded 18 March 2014. 3I. Introduction 8 years age, approximate length 1.5 metres, sexual maturity reached younger individuals 4 6 years (Dominguez, 2006). Platt al. (2010) sexual maturity captivity reached younger age (4–5 years) wild (7–8 years). longevity species docu- mented, unpublished data captive semi-cap- tive specimens 30 years . Reproductive activity starts construction nest females collecting fallen leaves form mound (Britton, 2005) laying eggs dry season (/April June/July); ends hatching eggs August–October, wet season peak (Platt al., 2008; Perez- Higareda, 1980; Alvarez del Toro, 1974). croco- diles lay 20 45 eggs, average 35 nest (Alvarez del Toro, 1974; Britton, 2005). Figure 2. Potential distribution Crocodylus moreletii Mexico Source: CITES, 2010b Note: Total distribution area = 306 455 Km. Total length permanaent rivers water bodies = 49 465 Km 5II. Market overview II. MARKET OVERVIEW Mexico main exporter skins Morelet’ crocodile, Belizean Wildlife Protection Act prohibits hunting species, crocodiles officially protected commercial harvest poaching Belize, determined regular surveil- lance areas species occurs. species subject commercial activities Guatemala . transfer Morelet’ crocodile Appendix Appendix II Convention International Trade Endangered Species Wild Fauna Flora (CITES) Mexico Belize populations, captive-breeding operations registered potential exporters, registration CITES secretariat required. Mexico, establishments authorized harvest export closed-cycle captive-breeding operations, proven viability pro- duction offspring generation part official system Management Units Conservation Wildlife (Unidades de Manejo para la Conservació de la Vida Silvestre (UMAs), CITES, 2010b). Wild specimens , , part international trade. Figure 4. Crocodylus moreletti skin trade 2000-2010. Crocodylia members genera, Crocodylus moreletii maintains commercial volumes , increase 2000-2001, shows downward trend (UNEP–WCMC) Figure 3. Crocodile skin trade, 2000-2010. world market crocodiles passed stable trend 2000, showing increase 2006 decrease 2010 (UNEP–WCMC) 0 500 000 1 000 000 1 500 000 2 000 000 2 500 000 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 0 500 1 000 1 500 2 000 2 500 3 000 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 6 BIOTRADE DESIGNER’ TOOLKIT MORELET’ CROCODILE Crocodylus moreletii Figure 5. Crocodile skin trade species, 2000-2010. crocodilian species internationally traded, Crocodylus moreletii occupies place market leaders Caiman crocodilus fuscus, Alligator mississippiensis Crocodylus niloticus (UNEP–WCMC) 1 10 100 1 000 10 000 100 000 1 000 000 10 000 000 Farms working commercial purposes levels development production capacity. closed-cycle breeding farms received support Mexican Government contact educational scientific institutions interested conservation species. belong managed private investors support conservation undertaking sustainable economic activities species. facilitated cost– benefit oriented technical improvements, advantages maintaining economic viability captive-breeding operations legal trade maintaining reserve individuals rein- troductions founder stocks wild habitats. . Sourcing insights 1. Legal trade Data international trade crocodile skins United Nations Environment Programme–World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP–WCMC) Trade Database 2000–2010, - cluding skins excluding cuts - ary materials (figure 3). data shows increase global market 2006, consid- erable decrease 2010. Reasons trend unclear reveal market decreasing expanding. similar phenomenon international trade Morelet’ crocodile (figure 4). , data recorded transfer Appendix II CITES (2010b) removal Endangered Species Act (ESA) United States America (2012), main limitations Morelet´ crocodile skin market global scale. total number skins potentially pro- duced Mexico annually, estimated 2,500 crocodiles exported international trade year. Specifically Morelet’ crocodile, chang- es CITES ESA status expected expansion promotion international trade sustainably-produced skins years. Informal data 2012 exports reach 1,000 skins closed cycle captive breed farms (Marco Novelo, personal communication1). 2. Parts derivatives trade 2000 2010, UNEP– WCMC Trade Database, parts derivatives Morelet’ crocodile commonly trade skins, skin pieces leather products, products include specimens, eggs, bodies, scales, skulls shoes. largest exporter 2000 2010 Mexico (8,983 skins, 750 skin pieces 1,410 leather products). major importing countries skins Japan (4,480), Spain (163), France (154) Republic Korea (60). importers Italy, Colombia, Russian Federation. 7II. Market overview 3. Actual potential trade impacts 8,600 Morelet’ individual crocodiles traded 10 years (860 year) (CITES, 2010b). Morelet’ crocodile represents small fraction global trade crocodilians (figure 5), market leaders: Caiman crocodilus fuscus, Alligator mississippiensis . niloticus. Morelet’ crocodile skin trade originating Mexico shows trend apparently reflects global - ternational market crocodilians. fluctuates global demand skins. Current trends interna- tional trade represent threat obstacle recovery species wild, captive-bred individuals exported provision remain effect quota wild specimens - cluded CITES 2010 listing. , present annual production Mexican farms exceed 40,000 individuals Morelet’ crocodile. risk laundering wild specimens farms , quality skins produced cap- tivity higher international trade demand focuses skins (José Carlos Rodarte; Manuel Muñiz, COMACROM, personal communication2). . Harvest overview Crocodiles skinned receiving orders clients ensure skin freshness . Fresh skins generally stored farms months. , producers harvesting skins average 35–40 cm size. farmers process skins meth- od, involving skinning, salting, scraping curing skin. , skins rolled carefully stored plastic bags refrigeration sold tanners. 1. Exporters transfer Crocodylus moreletii Appendix Appendix II CITES Mexico Belize, captive-breeding operations potential exporters, registra- tion CITES secretariat required. Mexico, commercial farms levels de- velopment production capacity, including early stages UMA Cococanek (Tamaulipas). , captive-breeding operations commercial purposes registered Wildlife General Office Mexico (DGVS) UMAs. 2. Tanneries Mexico important tannery industry. tanner industries located Leó (Guanajuato), 250,000 skins tanned year. , 90% skins parts skins imported Caiman crocodilus. Due large amount imported caiman skins, numbers skins Morelet’ crocodile enter market. great opportunity highlight quality Morelet’ crocodile skin. , tanners paying similar price skin types small number skins cowboy clothing. , main tanners ( , Hermè Cuirs Précieux Pantera ... Hides Skins) working Mexican farmers, potential clients. tanneries demand top quality skins size ( , 40 cm bigger). . National utilization mid-twentieth century, commercial harvest Morelet’ crocodile subject specific regulation Mexico, Guatemala Belize. main drastic decrease popula- tions. consequence , concern populations increased significantly 1970, led Mexican authorities ban commercial harvest wild individuals. , commercial exploitation Morelet’ crocodile Mexico compulsorily involve animals born raised captivity UMAs. 2000, national harvest authorized Mexico amounts 2,000 skins year. , total potential production farms 17,800 individuals approximately 10,100 skins year. Belize, croco- diles officially protected commercial har- vest poaching, enforcement depending regu- lar surveillance areas species occur. Reportedly, species subject commercial activities Guatemala Protected Areas Act prohibits export trade wild specimens endangered species. 1. Commercial applications Farmers Mexico examples tanned skins finished products. instance, UMA Cocodrilos Mexicanos farm created brand “Cocole” selling finished products, handbags. - pany possessing label called “Caimanes 8 BIOTRADE DESIGNER’ TOOLKIT MORELET’ CROCODILE Crocodylus moreletii Figure 6. Bags Figure 9. Left: finished skin (Cocodrilos Maya; photo: Manuel Muñiz); : finished skins (Cocodrilos Mexicanos .. de ..; photo: Manuel Muñiz) Figure 10. Left: storage (Cocodrilos Mexicanos .. de ..); : working skins (Cocodrilos de Palizada) Figure 7. Wallets Figure 8. Left: boots; : meat product 9II. Market overview Cocodrilos de Chiapas” artisanal tannery manufacture. Examples commercial products (local foreign) shown figures 6–10. 2. -products -products obtained Morelet´ crocodiles skin, main prod- uct chain species. important meat, body parts head, hands feet, oil fat ( intestines liver) organ parts. locally consumed meat skins exported (Japan main importer meat). production limited, demand meat national level. sold local city restaurants markets, beneficial attri- butes ascribed meat, oil, faeces entrails (including lowering cholesterol, expecto- rant treatment dermal diseases, rheumatism, cough, asthma emphysema, aphrodisiacs, cosmetics, perfumes alcoholism). . Trade policies 1. National legislation Mexico, Morelet’ crocodile conservation gov- erned extensive number laws addressing conservation process including: Environmental Protection (Ley General del Equilibrio Ecológico la Protecció al Ambiente); General de Vida Silvestre su Reglamento); Environmental Protection – Native Species Wild Flora Fauna Mexico – Risk Categories Specifications Inclusion, Exclusion Change – List Species Risk. 2. International regulations species listed CITES Appendix II quota wild specimens commercial pur- poses 2010 Mexico Belize populations (Guatemala population remains Appendix ). measure international trade individuals, parts derivatives captive-bred specimens accompanied CITES permits issued manage- ment authority. provision remain effect quota removed amendment proposal adopted Conference Parties. time, sustainable levels wild specimens har- vested determined results Monitoring Programme. marking systems applied Mexico crocodile species ( addition interdigital tags scale cutting UMAs) Universal Tagging System Identification Crocodilian Skins established CITES (CITES, 2010a). system specimen destined inter- national trade consists -reusable plastic security tag. application CITES export permit include number authorized specimen based skin’ plastic security tag. Customs codes applicable crocodile skins 4103.20.01 “caiman, crocodile lizard” (-tanned), 4106.40.99 “ rest” (tanned) 4113.30.01 “rep- tile” (prepared skins tanning scrolled skins). worth mentioning customs codes include reptile skins, distinguish volumes Morelet’ crocodile exported . information customs regimes applicable crocodile skins table 1. 3. Law enforcement part Programme Deliver Environmental Justice, Federal Agency Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) implements Environmental Inspection Programme activities involving control, verification, inspection surveillance entry exit goods people located ports, airports borders, Mexico’ territory. Agency implements Wildlife Inspection Programme, monitoring stages wild species ensuring protection. Specific actions include verification cross-bor- der movements compliance CITES international agreements coordination customs authorities; inspection special operations areas wildlife harvest, stockpiling, distribution sale, coordination public law enforcement judicial authorities; surveillance areas wildlife distri- bution harvest. 10 BIOTRADE DESIGNER’ TOOLKIT MORELET’ CROCODILE Crocodylus moreletii Customs code Description Unit Customs duty IMP Customs duty EXP 4103.20.01 Caiman, crocodile lizard. Head Free Free Free trade agreements NAFTA (North America): Free FTA EU-MX (European Union): Free JAPAN: Free parties: Free ( customs duty) Customs regimes import: CITES permit certificate required (parts derivatives wildlife species addressed definitive, temporal fiscal deposit customs regimes, listed CITES Appendices) SEMARNAT authorization PROFEPA inspection (parts derivatives wildlife species addressed definitive, temporal fiscal deposit customs regimes). Documents issued Article 9 inspection carried Article 8 Agreement; Zoosanitary Certificate SAGARPA inspection country´ entry point (certificate Article 7 Agreement, previous verification fulfilment HRZ). export: CITES permit certificate required (parts derivatives wildlife species addressed definitive, temporal fiscal deposit customs regimes, listed CITES Appendices) SEMARNAT authorization PROFEPA inspection (parts derivatives wildlife species addressed definitive, temporal fiscal deposit customs regimes). Documents issued Article 9 inspection carried Article 8 Agreement). Customs code Description Unit Customs duty IMP Customs duty EXP 4106.40.99 rest M2 Free Free 4113.30.01 Reptile Free trade agreements NAFTA (North America): Free FTA EU-MX (European Union): Free JAPAN: Free parties: Free ( customs duty) Customs regimes import: CITES permit certificate required (parts derivatives wildlife species addressed definitive, temporal fiscal deposit customs regimes, listed CITES Appendices) SEMARNAT authorization PROFEPA inspection (parts derivatives wildlife species addressed definitive, temporal fiscal deposit customs regimes). Documents issued Article 9 inspection carried Article 8 Agreement; chapter 4 (Trade information) NOM-020-SCFI-1997 (importer choose alternatives established Article 6 prove fulfilment NOM). export: CITES permit certificate required (parts derivatives wildlife species addressed definitive, temporal fiscal deposit customs regimes, listed CITES Appendices) SEMARNAT authorization PROFEPA inspection (parts derivatives wildlife species addressed definitive, temporal fiscal deposit customs regimes). Documents issued Article 9 inspection carried Article 8 Agreement. Table 1. Customs regimes applicable import export crocodile skins Note: export manufactured products reptile skins regulated SEMARNAT, agree- ment establishing controls -customs regulations SEMARNAT clear pre- cisely controls applicable products crocodile skins. 11III. Biodiversity-based material environmental impact review III. BIODIVERSITY-BASED MATERIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REVIEW 1970, Mexico established total ban - mercial harvest crocodiles. ban backed surveillance law enforcement areas harvests concentrated, tanneries, centres manufacture direct trade, borders. accompanied creation captive- bred operations divert pressure wild popula- tions, additional conservation efforts designation protected areas, contributed recovery Morelet’ crocodile Mexico (CITES, 2010b). 1988, wild plants animals protected General Act Ecological Balance Environmental Protection, establishes framework conservation restoration ecological balance environmental protection sustainable . July 2000, General Wildlife Act (Ley General de Vida Silvestre – LGVS) entered force. objective conservation wildlife habitat protection authorization optimum levels sustainable . aims maintain wildlife habitat diversity integrity, promote restoration, increase welfare country’ citizens. case Morelet’ crocodile, LGVS harvest individuals obtained controlled captive breeding. September 1999, COMACROM created. advisory body Mexican authorities focus providing guidance programmes conser- vation sustainable crocodiles. includes scientists, technicians, -governmental organiza- tions, producers, authorities stakeholders. COMACROM participates meetings IUCN Crocodile Specialist Group (IUCN-CSG) contrib- contrib- utes publications, representa- tives IUCN-CSG . decade, Mexico promoted de- veloped policy creation maintenance protected areas protect habitat Morelet’ crocodile framework National Protected Area System. CoP15 CITES 2010, stated 77 federal certified protected areas Mexico provide shelter legal protection Morelet’ crocodile potential range. pointed number, 11 records species. 41 RAMSAR sites poten- tial range Morelet’ crocodile, 13 - cords species (figure 2) (CITES, 2010b, page 11). . Conservation overview 1. Conservation status IUCN-CSG Action Plan Availability survey data: moderate; wild population recovery: moderate; Potential sustainable management: high. 2012 IUCN Red List Crocodylus moreletii classified Concern category IUCN Red List Threatened Species published 2012, includes widespread abundant species (Cerdeñ-ázquez al., 2012). Mexican Endangered Species List (NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010) Morelet’ crocodile included cat- egory Subject Special Protection, includes taxa risk interest country deserve government protection en- continuity abundance. 2. Principal threats main threat species habitat degradation, involves reduction prey availability pollution water bodies. Current trends international trade represent threat obstacle recov- ery species wild, captive-bred individuals exported. risk wild specimen laundering farms . 3. Illegal trade UNEP–WCMC Trade Database shows illegal movements parts derivatives Morelet’ crocodile 1975 2010 Mexico, Guatemala Belize, United States importer. 1982 2010, Mexico exported leather products (320) shoes (420 pairs). records illegal trade operations Guatemala 1989 1997, involving pairs shoes (27), cases Belize, involved export 31 eggs 1995 1 kilogram meat 2009. Guatemala, Castañeda- 12 BIOTRADE DESIGNER’ TOOLKIT MORELET’ CROCODILE Crocodylus moreletii Moya (1998) stated illegal capture species continued Peté year. , ad- mitted volume activity decreased compared situation 25 years . 4. CoPan Project 2000 2004, support CONABIO, Mexico developed CoPan project, main objectives: relative abundance Crocodylus moreletii; assessment reference crocodile species. main results conclusions study : (historic sites); - ing total 145); - proximately 80,000 individuals Mexico, 15,000 adults reproductive age; - als juveniles (class II), suggests positive population trend; species Mexico 396,455 km2; crocodiles exist stable, remaining sites excellent condition. workshop experts authorities organ- ized CONABIO late 2004, CoPan Project report revised compare information current status Morelet´ crocodiles IUCN Red List, NOM-059 ESA (Sanchez al., 2011, page 36). results served basis CITES Appendices transfer 2010 (CoP15 . Rec. 7) removal species ESA 2012 due recovery (DOI Federal Register, 2012, 77(100)). 5. Morelet’ Crocodile Monitoring Programme Mexico, country-wide Monitoring Programme populations habitat Morelet’ crocodile implemented, possibility - volvement Belize Guatemala future considered. aim programme build experiences results CoPan Project, suggestions CITES framework recommendations IUCN- CSG, obtain complete information status trends populations species habitat (CITES, 2010b, page 9). Stage 1 Monitoring Programme (2009–2011) - cluded preliminary design reviewed assessed Trinational Mexico–Belize–Guatemala Workshop Monitoring Programme Morelet´ Crocodile, experts authorities agreed methods, seasons, routes/localities variables measured crocodiles habi- tat. Based workshop’ results, procedures manual developed published support experts (Sanchez al., 2011) countries tool secure gathering comparable field data species standard methodologies, common understanding, clear objectives struc- tured coordination reporting schemes. part ongoing stage 2 initiated 2011, coordination regions established Mexico order implement Programme. Agreements signed CONABIO implicated institu- tions/organizations, responsible carrying fieldwork, procedures manual reporting central web-based data- base maintained CONABIO. Information stored database analysed periodically produce estimates wild population sizes trends short, medium long term (Sanchez al., 2011; Sanchez al., 2012). Information obtained monitoring programme provide basic ro- bust elements decision-making processes conservation, management sustainable species ( figure 12). Monitoring results 2011 season 82 sites national population estimate 78,600 individuals wild, similar fig- ure obtained CoPan project 2002–2004. , habitat monitoring sites considered ( good good) populations healthy terms structure (size classes; numbers reproductive adults produc- tion hatchlings) physically. Results analysis subsequent seasons published periodically CONABIO´ website. . Sustainable 1. Management units conservation wildlife stated previously, commercial exploita- tion Morelet’ crocodile Mexico international trade compulsorily involve animals born 13III. Biodiversity-based material environmental impact review raised captivity UMAs (closed-cycle operations, proven viability generation). wild specimens legally harvested interna- tional trade. present, ranching operations involving wild specimens exist Mexico. , Monitoring Programme provide information identify poten- tial localities management units system (Platt al., 2010). Article 84 LGVS, wild specimen species harvested UMA, extrac- tion rate proved smaller natural rate recovery populations targeted. Article 85 LGVS establishes harvest species ( included NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010) authorized priority restoration, repopulation reintroduction activities. SEMARNAT randomly inspects UMAs, - consistencies detected management plan, population studies, sampling activities, inventories periodic reports, notifications punitive measures applied. Additionally, CONABIO DGVS-SEMARNAT joining efforts develop “Type Management Plan Morelet’ Crocodile”. publication serve standard template stakeholders interested crocodile captive-breeding production. 2. Captive breeding Casas-Andreu al. (2011) report beginning nesting season captivity coincides rain season highest annual tem- perature. maximum number eggs nest (50) reported higher observed wild (42). authors report viability eggs laid captivity 73.15 cent annual hatching success reported wild (40.7 cent captivity 50 cent wild). authors suggest successful cap- tive breeding frequently depends environmental factors, reproductive quality males ( changing males enclosures posi- tive results), physical condition females, stocking rates, sex ratios, territoriality influencing reproductive traits. Figure 11. Geographic design monitoring Morelet’ Crocodile Mexico Source: CONABIO, 2014 14 BIOTRADE DESIGNER’ TOOLKIT MORELET’ CROCODILE Crocodylus moreletii Captive-breeding techniques Mexican farms al- commercial-size individuals obtained 2-4 years, obtain bigger sizes sat- isfy international demand, 4 years required (UMA CAICROCHIS, UMA COCOMEX, UMA Cocodrilos Maya, personal communication, date). 50 eggs obtained Mexican UMAs female April July, maintained incubator 75 days ( 29° 33°, depending production ) Sept- ember, eggs hatch. Survival hatchlings 85 cent maternity area weeks stronger controlled environment. years age animals supervised carefully months changed enclosures densi- ties, sizes individuals. Mortality rate approximately 10 cent year 5 cent subsequent years, reducing age increases. Optimum conditions growing rates 3 cm–4 cm month, attaining 120 cm year . animals reach 1 metre–1.2 metre length, assessed selected qual- ity suitability products. animal selected high premium quality skin allocated individual enclosure 2 m2 minimum surface reach commercial width 35 cm–40 cm “belly” cut. Individual enclosures built avoid damage stress animal skin, including smooth polished floors water coverage, individual attention ( health, feeding cleaning). Mexican UMAs transforming technologies support individual enclosures. Estimations point volume 2,500 high qual- ity skins 2015, 8,000 10,000 skins year 2022 onward. Projected produc- tion years shown table 2 figure 11 (UMA CAICROCHIS, UMA COCOMEX, UMA Cocodrilos Maya, UMA El Colibrí, personal communication). 3. Sustainable programmes worth noting harvesting wild specimens considered Crocodylus moreletii future, studies natural history crocodiles point extreme resistance wild populations removal youngest specimens ( , eggs newborns) oldest/biggest specimens ( , male adults). harvesting programmes world species show annual Figure 12. Estimated production high-quality skins year UMAs Campeche, Sinaloa, Veracruz, Chiapas, Tamaulipas Yucatá 0 1 000 2 000 3 000 4 000 5 000 6 000 7 000 8 000 9 000 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Total 400 1 200 2 250 2 800 3 800 5 850 6 150 7 400 7 400 8 000 8 000 53 250 Table 2. Estimated production high-quality skins year UMAs Campeche, Sinaloa, Veracruz, Chiapas, Tamaulipas Yucatá 15III. Biodiversity-based material environmental impact review removal 50–80 cent laid eggs 5–10 cent adult population restraining effects population growth (David, 1994; Webb al., 1992; Woodward al., 1992). Recruitment wild (entry young specimens adult population) depends density, structure size adult populations, sensitive quantity eggs laid survival newborns (Ross, 1999). regard, interlinking factors paramount importance survival crocodile populations: maintaining reproductive female popu- lations, protection habitat (Ross, 1997). Management plans based hunting removal big specimens human safety reduce restraining effects recruitment, populations controlled harvest big male adults show faster population growth species (Ross, 1999). , respect, decisions Mexico based results derived Monitoring Programme. 4. Slaughter methods farms follow international procedures recom- mended IUCN-CSG. small incision nuchal zone specimen manually ( skull vertebrae) awl order disconnect brain functions. procedure killing animal humane fashion complete body parts. slaughter, specimen separated washed, slaughter refrigerated suspended 24 hours, washed obtain parts, separated consecutive tables (skin, meat, internal organs). . Ecosystem habitat impact 1. Role species ecosystem Morelet’ crocodile facilitates number eco- logical processes, smaller water bodies, regulates populations fish spe- cies, fertilizes water faeces, transports plant propagates micro organisms moving swamp (Aguilar, 2005). preyed birds medium-sized mammals juvenile stages jaguar adult. wild, small individuals feed insects spiders, medium-sized eat molluscs, fish crustaceans, adults prey reptiles, mam- mals birds (Perez-Higareda al., 1989; Pooley Gans, 1976). Fish important source food life stages species, carrion, consumed opportunistically. 2. Habitat conservation benefits Due closed cycle production, habitat conser- vation obtained farms, personal ethic contribution conservation, education research programmes. achieved training, implementation conservation programmes, courses support academic research programmes, . legal production skin, illegal trade reduced famers close contact au- thorities report illegal trade. Additionally, wildlife management UMA scheme fulfil requirements proper habitat management order achieve conservation ob- jectives, includes monitoring vegetation cover, restoration activities, fire prevention soil conservation, . activities detail part management plan unit, strategies attend contingencies surveillance mechanisms. . Access benefit sharing/community benefits LGVS Article 18 points legitimate land owners wildlife distributed sustainably wildlife obtain benefits, obligation conserving habitat responsible negative effects wildlife habitat. order resources, land registered UMA fulfil requirements thereof (registration Wildlife General Office, management plan approved registered, monitoring wild populations, peri- odic reports inventories, certificate production marking/tagging methods). Morelet´ crocodile high socio-economic represent important income source local communities, producers traders. closed-cycle breeding farms received support Mexican Government contact educational scientific institutions interested conservation species. give technical assistance, capacity-building workshops cours- es, parental stock sale. operations, Cocodrilos de Palizada Cococanek, community based; production capacity alternated activities eco- 16 BIOTRADE DESIGNER’ TOOLKIT MORELET’ CROCODILE Crocodylus moreletii tourism, research educational tourism, lead economic social benefits. activities carried UMAs Mexico, developing chains offer services specific stakeholders spread knowledge species: - ing sports; efforts incorporate UMAs local national touristic networks. ad- dition, UMAs managed private investors support conservation undertaking sus- tainable economic activities species. facilitated cost–benefit oriented technical improve- ments, advantages maintaining economic viability captive-breeding operation maintaining reserve individuals pos- sible -introductions founder stocks. expected Monitoring Programme provide information potential sites ranching activities, involve rural communi- ties collection eggs wild, coordination current producers grow individuals captivity. development collaboration promote conservation species habitat natural range providing additional benefits - munities sustainable resource. 17References References Aguilar, . . 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