Louisiana's alligator farms raise the reptiles for meat, skins — and conservation

Advocates say alligator farming has turned the demand for boots and bags into a boost for a species often seen as scary, bothersome or good only for their leathery skins

ABBEVILLE, La. -- Jacob Sagrera unrolls an alligator skin and lays it flat on a metal table, brushing off flecks of salt. He holds it up to the light, looking for blemishes, and gives it a score. That score will help a tannery an ocean away prepare it to be used by a luxury designer — for items like boots, watch bands and handbags destined for fashion runways and posh shops.

Then he adds it to a pile of hides, each with a yellow tracking tag that allows authorities to enforce legal trade.

Advocates say commercial alligator farming has helped preserve a species often seen as scary, bothersome or good only for their skins. Not all conservationists think that's a good thing, but for the farmers and luxury brands seeking to market their products as sustainable, it's made sense to tie conservation to capitalism.

Some of the scientists who study them agree.

“These wetlands, these alligators ... it has to have some kind of monetary value,” said George Melancon, alligator research biologist for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. “Otherwise, people just forget about them.”