How to Use this Guide 6

The identification is based on certain morphological characteristics of the head of adult crocodilians or the skin of the specimen to be identified.

In the case of live specimens, it is very important not to handle the animal. The features to be observed do not require handling. Remember that even the smallest specimens can cause serious injury. Be extremely careful.

For adult crocodilians, use the identification key that describes the characteristics of the head. As you progress through the key, you will be able to make a probable identification. You can then turn to the descriptive blue or yellow page on which the likely species is illustrated. The additional information on this page will allow you to confirm your identification.

The features of juveniles are sometimes very different from those of adults, particularly with respect to their colouring and the absence of swelling on their snout. Be very careful when using this key for young specimens. If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to consult an expert.

For skins, use the identification key for skins. This key describes the characteristics of the skin on the ventral part, the subcaudal region (under the tail) and the flanks (sides) of the specimen. By combining the information from the key pages and descriptive pages, you will also be able to identify other parts of the skin and certain products.

This key applies to raw hides, i.e. untreated by the manufacturing industry. The tanning process which, among other things, softens hides, partially or entirely removes osteoderms, thereby invalidating the identification key as early as heading No. 2 on page . You may also apply with caution this key to tanned skins and products but some key features may have been obscured by processing.

Also remember that any crocodilian skin, raw or tanned, must be accompanied by a CITES permit. If not, you must detain this skin. A recent resolution in CITES member countries also requires that all crocodilian skins in trade bear a CITES-approved tag . Again, any skin without a tag must be detained. If there is any doubt, do not hesitate to contact an expert.