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Tello, J.L. f985. CITES Nile Crocodile Status SnNey h1 CITES-v'orki g document! and
Appendices 1987, pp. 61-83
ANNEX
THE POSITION OF TANZANIA WITH REGARD TO THE UTILIZATION
OF WILD CROCODILES AND CROCODILE RANCHING
OF THE NILE CROCODILE
ABSTRACT/TRANSCRIPT
2.1 Policy for Crocodile Management
Tanzanias crocodile policy states that crocodile shall be conserved as stipulated by local
conservation laws aod CITES Suidelines for conservation
It is intended that all crocodilian modes of utilizatbD benefit local commu0ities. This approach
serves to enhanc efforts directed to curb illegal trade and dealings in crocodilian parts and
derivatives
2.2 The Management Plm for the Nile cxocodile
The management plan is tailored to accommodate protection and utilization of rhe Nile
crocodile
3.1 The Status of the Nile Crocodile in the wild
3.1.1 Distributiotl
Tanzania has an estimated 4000 km or river and 2800 km of lake shoreline. Crocodiles are
known t6 occur in many of these systems.
3,1.2 Population Status
Tello (1985) estimated a total populat;on of 74 000 crocodiles in Tanzania and Hirji (1986)
estimated a population of 10000 in Lake Rukwa alone. Aerial surveys have been carried out
in recent yea$ (Hutton and Katalihwa, 1988; Cames and severre, 1989; Games and sevefte,
1990) but these were aimed at density estinates rather than total population estimater'
3.1.3 Habitat
Crocodiles occur in stable habitats and especially in protected aleas where human activities are
limited.