IUCN COMMISSION GROUP

IUCN SSC Crocodile Specialist Group

Overview and description

Description:

Of the 24 species of crocodilian, 7 are currently listed as Critically Endangered, 4 as Vulnerable, 12 as Least Risk. The IUCN SSC Crocodile Specialist Group (CSG) is a worldwide network of biologists ...

Dr Alejandro LARRIERA

Co-Chair

Alejandro Larriera es Médico Veterinario egresado de la Facultad de Ciencia Veterinarias de la Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) en el año 1981. Comenzó a formarse en conservación de especies silvestres mediante cursos de posgrado en la temática, para comenzar sus primeras investigaciones sobre el yacaré overo en el año 1984. Desde entonces es autor de mas de 150 publicaciones científicas y de divulgación en revistas nacionales e internacionales. Es Co Presidente del Grupo de Especialistas en Cocodrilos de la Comisión de Supervivencia de Especies de la Unión Mundial para la naturaleza (CSG/SSC/IUCN) a nivel mundial.

Es docente investigador de la Universidad Nacional del Litoral y Profesor de la cátedra de Manejo de Fauna y Flora de la Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias. Ex Director General de Manejo de Fauna y Flora de la Provincia de Santa Fe y Ex Subsecretario de Recursos Naturales de Santa Fe. Director de mas de 60 cientibecas de UNL, tesinas de graduación y becas de iniciación, doctorales y Pos-Doctorales del Conicet. Miembro de la Comisión Asesora de Investigación para evaluación de proyectos en la UNL. Autor de los proyectos de creación de diferentes áreas protegidas en la Provincia de Santa Fe, como el Parque Nacional Islas de Santa Fe (primero en la Provincia), y la Reserva Natural Manejada El Fisco como santuario para la conservación de los yacarés. Ex Presidente del ECIF (Ente Coordinador Interjurisdiccional de la Fauna Silvestre Argentina). Creador y Director del PROYECTO YACARE desde 1990, programa destinado a la conservación de los caimanes argentinos.

Entre otras distinciones recibió la "Citation of Excellence" de la SSC/IUCN en el año 2015; El "Castillo Award" del CSG/SSC/IUCN en 2018; y el Ralf Sommerlad Crocodile Conservation Award en 2023.

Mr Charlie MANOLIS

Co-Chair

After graduating from the University of New South Wales in 1980, Charlie Manolis began working with Grahame Webb on crocodiles in northern Australia. Conservation and management were the primary focus of activities in the 1980s, but these diversified in the late 1980s and 1990s, by which time crocodile populations were expanding rapidly. Sustainable use of wildlife was adopted as a conservation tool, which allowed the public to tolerate the recovery of Saltwater crocodiles. Charlie Manolis was invited to become a CSG member in 1988, and in 2018 he took on the role of Deputy Chair. Since 2004 he has been editor and compiler of the Crocodile Specialist Group Newsletter, a key communication tool for the CSG. His involvement and publications on crocodilians have covered many aspects of research, management, conservation, including farming and production, welfare and training.

Dr Sally ISBERG

Red List Authority Coordinator

More about the Specialist Group

The IUCN SSC Crocodile Specialist Group (CSG) is to assist the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Species Survival Commission (SSC) to meet their missions with regard to the conservation, management and sustainable use of world crocodilians.

The key to this success is the cooperation of companies involved in the international reptile skin and leather trade, crocodilian farmers and ranchers, skin traders, tanners, manufacturers ...

MISSION

Assist the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Species Survival Commissions (SSC) to meet their missions with regard to the conservation, management and sustainable use of world crocodilians.

Specialist Group work

By the end of 2025, we envisage: (1) increased reintroductions and improved status of wild populations of Critically Endangered crocodilian species such as Alligator sinensis (China), Crocodylus siamensis (Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos) and Crocodylus mindorensis (Philippines); (2) improved legal protection status of C. siamensis and Tomistoma schlegelii habitat in Lake Mesangat, East Kalimantan, Indonesia; (3) tracking study implemented on T. schlegelii; (4) publications on traceability systems, sustainable use and livelihoods and Conservation Priorities; (5) completion of species Action Plans; and, (6) develop a standard reference source for crocodilians.

Understanding threats to Crocodiles

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 administrative and publishing budget is raised almost entirely from private donations.

Crocodiles on the IUCN Red List

The Red List is used as a guide by the CSG to prioritize its work, but it also relies on a suite of other information when evaluating issues requiring specific action. For example, information from CSG members, NGOs and wildlife authorities is vital to directing the CSG’s efforts. Efforts to re-establish international trade on a legal and sustainable basis have clearly assisted the recovery of many crocodilian species, but some will require ongoing efforts.