Alligator

The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is native to all of the state of Mississippi, and was included on the threatened species list until just a few years ago. Commercial hunting in the wild had reduced the population to dangerously low levels. Worldwide demand for alligator leather as well as alligator meat led to the establishment in the 1980's of commercial, captive culture facilities in several southern states, including Mississippi. Although declining prices for hides in the early 1990's led to drastic reductions in the number of alligator farms, Mississippi retains at least a half dozen commercial facilities.

Alligators are grown on commercial farms to supply market demands for meat and for leather worldwide without impacting natural alligator populations.

Mississippi has only a handful of farms for alligators. The feasibility of alligator farming depends upon many factors, but primarily upon the market and access to the hide and meat markets. The hide market has been relatively unstable, and many operations have come and gone because of this lack of stability. Availability of either broodstock or eggs can also limit feasibility, as can a myraid of other factors.

Alligator production in Mississippi should be considered at best a risky venture unless all factors can be demonstrated to be positive toward establishing an operation.