Not many people know that Cambodia is a significant exporter of crocodile skins and meat, and that it plans to become a bigger player in this specialized market. Cambodia currently exports crocodile meat and skins to Vietnam, Thailand and China. But Cambodian crocodile farmers hope to break into the much more profitable French and European Union markets. Since 2005 the Cambodian government has been encouraging farmers to rear to adulthood – the skins of fully grown crocs are worth at least $80 – rather than selling baby crocodiles for $13 each. Medium-quality skins make $120 in Europe, and if the farmers can up the quality to Grade A they will get $150 a pelt.
