How did overharvesting affect crocodile populations in the 1950s and 1960s?

During the 1950s and 1960s, the overharvesting of crocodiles for the leather industry caused widespread extirpation, or localized extinction, of many crocodilian species. This intense commercial pressure resulted in a near-worldwide decline in crocodile numbers.1

Because harvesting was frequently concentrated on larger individuals—which typically represent the adult breeding stock—the removal of these animals severely hindered the ability of populations to replace themselves through normal reproduction, leading to precipitous population drops. This era of exploitation highlighted the ethical necessity of sustainable practices; since that time, international regulations and proactive conservation measures have been implemented to allow many populations to rebound and resume their vital roles as top predators in their ecosystems.1