Established in 1992
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What began as a one-man operation in 1992 has slowly grown into a small but dedicated team of a dozen employees who are familiar with our skins and customers. Following a three-year stint in Papua New Guinea working as the Technical Manager and later as General Manager of the world's largest commercial crocodile farm, Mark Staton and his family returned to Louisiana and settled in Lafayette, which is strategically located in the heart of the state's alligator-rich marshlands and bayou country. Because of our association with farmers, trappers and skin dealers in Louisiana and beyond, we are fortunate to have a supply of the worlds most valuable reptile skins. These high-quality skins are sent to the best reptile tanneries in the United States to produce some of the finest exotic leather available. We pride ourselves in our customer service and Industry Knowledge.
Mark Staton Co. considers alligator and the products made from their leather to be one of this area's most valuable natural resources. We are dedicated to the preservation and utilization of the resource in a responsible way. "From the Swamp to the Showroom" is an expression we use here which means that we are involved with every aspect of this trade. |
Our clientele is our greatest asset, and we treat each customer - large or small - to the best of our ability.
If they succeed, we succeed!
Alligator and Crocodile: Simply the Best
The most luxurious of exotic leathers are made from the skins of alligators and crocodiles. The skins of these large primitive reptiles feature scales or "tiles" in a wide variety of patterns. These patterns, combined with beautiful colors, lustrous finishes, and the inherent toughness of properly tanned alligator and crocodile leather offer the creative leather craftsman the material needed to make any leathergood a work of art. For this reason, products made from these skins are highly treasured. As with other forms of art or fine jewelry, some knowledge about these exotic leathers will help to ensure that one purchases a potential family heirloom, and not a "lemon".
What's in a name? When referring to leathers or leathergoods made from the skins of these reptiles, these terms have frequently been used interchangeably. In years past "alligator" was frequently the term of preference in the USA while "crocodile" was more commonly used in Europe and the Far East. In recent years, there has been a greater awareness by the consuming public that the two terms are not synonymous. Even within the leather trade there is some confusion. Many, but not all, leathergoods manufacturers and dealers can distinguish between alligator and crocodile leather, and fewer are aware of the variety of crocodile skins (or skins labeled "crocodile") in the leather markets. After all, their interest is to acquire the best material they can within their budget, regardless of whether it is alligator or crocodile - not to become a crocodile specialist. A brief acquaintance with the group of animals involved and differences in the leather made from their skins will help to ensure manufacturers and consumers alike, that they are truly using the best of exotic leathers.
Alligator, Crocodile, or Something Else? To clear up the confusion, we must first muddy the water with a little background on the biological classification of the "crocodilians". This is a collective term which includes many extinct species as well as about two dozen living species. Species are grouped into a biological category know as a "genus" based on morphological similarities and presumed common ancestry (as listed below). The most valuable of the exotic leathers are made from the skins of American Alligators (in the genus Alligator) and various species of true Crocodiles (genus Crocodylus). Of significantly less value but in widespread use, caiman skins - made from various species of the genus Caiman - are often mistakenly referred to as "crocodile" or sometimes even "caiman alligator". Skins from the remainder of the groupings listed below have little or no commercial value in the leather industry. An extensive review on the classification, scientific nomenclature, and geographic distribution of alligators, crocodiles and their kin, can be found in Chapters 1 and 2 in Wildlife Management: Crocodiles and Alligators edited by Webb, Manolis, and Whitehead and www.crocodilian.com
What's in a name? When referring to leathers or leathergoods made from the skins of these reptiles, these terms have frequently been used interchangeably. In years past "alligator" was frequently the term of preference in the USA while "crocodile" was more commonly used in Europe and the Far East. In recent years, there has been a greater awareness by the consuming public that the two terms are not synonymous. Even within the leather trade there is some confusion. Many, but not all, leathergoods manufacturers and dealers can distinguish between alligator and crocodile leather, and fewer are aware of the variety of crocodile skins (or skins labeled "crocodile") in the leather markets. After all, their interest is to acquire the best material they can within their budget, regardless of whether it is alligator or crocodile - not to become a crocodile specialist. A brief acquaintance with the group of animals involved and differences in the leather made from their skins will help to ensure manufacturers and consumers alike, that they are truly using the best of exotic leathers.
Alligator, Crocodile, or Something Else? To clear up the confusion, we must first muddy the water with a little background on the biological classification of the "crocodilians". This is a collective term which includes many extinct species as well as about two dozen living species. Species are grouped into a biological category know as a "genus" based on morphological similarities and presumed common ancestry (as listed below). The most valuable of the exotic leathers are made from the skins of American Alligators (in the genus Alligator) and various species of true Crocodiles (genus Crocodylus). Of significantly less value but in widespread use, caiman skins - made from various species of the genus Caiman - are often mistakenly referred to as "crocodile" or sometimes even "caiman alligator". Skins from the remainder of the groupings listed below have little or no commercial value in the leather industry. An extensive review on the classification, scientific nomenclature, and geographic distribution of alligators, crocodiles and their kin, can be found in Chapters 1 and 2 in Wildlife Management: Crocodiles and Alligators edited by Webb, Manolis, and Whitehead and www.crocodilian.com
- · Alligator - 2 species
- · Crocodylus - 12 species
- · Osteolaemus - 1 species
- · Caiman - 3 species
- · Melanosuchus - 1 species
- · Paleosuchus - 2 species
- · Gavialis - 1 species
- · Tomistoma - 1 species
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Osteoderms are bony inclusions in the skin. Although visible from the finished surface of the leather (upper left), they are more visible from the bottom surface (above). Their presence in skins often results in less flexible, more brittle leather that is more difficult for the manufacturer to use. The sides or "flanks" of the belly portion of the skin (close to the edges - see above photos) is generally free of osteoderms. With caiman species, this is sometimes the only portion of the skin made into leather (left). This cut of the skin is know as "tinga".
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Skins of some alligator and crocodile species are simply not available in the leather trade because their populations are depleted and trade in their skins is extremely limited or prohibited by an international trade agreement known as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (C.I.T.E.S.). C.I.T.E.S. regulates trade in numerous plant and animal species, including all crocodilians. Some, such as American Alligators and several crocodile species, are not threatened, and in fact are thriving species; nevertheless, they are subject to stringent regulation due to their "similarity of appearance" to threatened and endangered species - which could offer a "cover" for trade of skins in the truly endangered species. Other factors influencing the relative value of skins are discussed below.
The Premier Skins:
American Alligator, Nile Crocodile and Saltwater Crocodile
Properly tanned skins of these tree species can be made into the finest of leathergoods.
All are excellent value, but each has its own distinct advantages. These skins are derived from controlled farming programs or hunts that are highly regulated by wildlife authorities in their country of origin.
American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)
This is the only species of "Alligator" in the exotic leather market. The only other species of alligator, the Chinese Alligator, is endangered and trade in its skins is prohibited by C.I.T.E.S. The skins of American Alligators are the most plentiful of any crocodilian on the leather markets because of (1) the farming of these animals, and (2) the controlled, highly regulated hunt of wild alligators in the southeastern USA. Several hundred thousand alligator skins enter the world leather markets annually from extensive alligator farming (or ranching) in Louisiana, Florida and other states. Most farmed skins are relatively small in size, and are destined for the manufacture of watchbands. Others are grown to a slightly larger size and are useful in the manufacturer of wallets, handbags, and footwear (requires 2 skins for one pair of shoes or boots). For example, boots are frequently made from farm skins, which can be produced as either the belly skin cut (center of the skin features the underside or "belly" of the alligator) or the hornback cut (center of the skin features the back of the alligator) as described under the "Skins" section of this website.
Approximately 50,000 skins annually are produced from the controlled, highly regulated hunt of wild alligators in Louisiana, Florida, and a few other states with significant wild populations. These skins range in size from small to very large, and average about 7 feet in length. Thus they are suitable for a wide range of products, as they offer the leather craftsman relatively large pieces of leather featuring a wide variety of patterns. Because the distinct and unique scale patterns found on the throat, belly, flanks, and tail can be of sufficient size to make boots, briefcases, or even larger products, and because of general availability of skins from our domestic species, Alligator is the most versatile of the three species.
This is the only species of "Alligator" in the exotic leather market. The only other species of alligator, the Chinese Alligator, is endangered and trade in its skins is prohibited by C.I.T.E.S. The skins of American Alligators are the most plentiful of any crocodilian on the leather markets because of (1) the farming of these animals, and (2) the controlled, highly regulated hunt of wild alligators in the southeastern USA. Several hundred thousand alligator skins enter the world leather markets annually from extensive alligator farming (or ranching) in Louisiana, Florida and other states. Most farmed skins are relatively small in size, and are destined for the manufacture of watchbands. Others are grown to a slightly larger size and are useful in the manufacturer of wallets, handbags, and footwear (requires 2 skins for one pair of shoes or boots). For example, boots are frequently made from farm skins, which can be produced as either the belly skin cut (center of the skin features the underside or "belly" of the alligator) or the hornback cut (center of the skin features the back of the alligator) as described under the "Skins" section of this website.
Approximately 50,000 skins annually are produced from the controlled, highly regulated hunt of wild alligators in Louisiana, Florida, and a few other states with significant wild populations. These skins range in size from small to very large, and average about 7 feet in length. Thus they are suitable for a wide range of products, as they offer the leather craftsman relatively large pieces of leather featuring a wide variety of patterns. Because the distinct and unique scale patterns found on the throat, belly, flanks, and tail can be of sufficient size to make boots, briefcases, or even larger products, and because of general availability of skins from our domestic species, Alligator is the most versatile of the three species.
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Distinguishing Alligator Leather From Crocodile Leather
Skins from alligators and crocodiles can be distinguished by the presence of small "pores" on the posterior portion of scales over much of the skin of crocodile - but not in alligators. The function of these pores, also known as integumentary sense organs, is not fully understood. See photo of a Saltwater Crocodile skin at left |
Crocodiles
The 12 or so species of true crocodiles (Crocodylus) are restricted to the warm climates and are found mostly in the tropical regions of the world. (For example, in the USA, alligators are found as far north as North Carolina and Virginia, whereas the American Crocodile is restricted to southern Florida.) Unfortunately, many species have not been adequately protected nor wisely managed as a renewable natural resource. Consequently, their populations are depleted to the extent that trade in their skins is prohibited or severely limited by C.I.T.E.S. As a result the number of species available in significant quantities in the exotic leather market is limited to a small number of species which, precisely because of the value of their skins, have been the subject of significant farming/ranching efforts and received regulatory oversight by wildlife agencies. This approach to wildlife management, part of a strategy known as Sustainable Use Management, has had the dual effects of effective conservation and economic benefits in areas of the world where each goal independently presents challenges, to say the least. One result is that most crocodile skins entering the world leather markets are produced on farms and are small or medium sized.
Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)
The farms of South Africa, Zimbabwe and other African countries produce approximately 200,000 skins annually. Even so, the skins of this reptile have only become regularly available in the USA over the past few decades. Most are about 4 to 5 feet in length - ideal for footwear, small leathergoods and small to medium sized handbags.
Aside from consistency in size and availability, characteristics of the finished leather itself is attractive to manufacturer and consumer alike. The scales on the bellies of Nile Crocodiles are slightly more uniform in size and shape compared to those of alligator or saltwater crocodile. In general, they are more rectangular over a greater percentage of the belly skin. This is because the flank (sides of the belly skin characterized by round/oval scales) of Nile Crocodile leather is narrower than in the other species. This feature makes it ideal for the centercut patterns frequently used in manufacture of premium footwear and handbags.
Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)
Although this species grows to the largest size of all crocodilians (the record is over 20 feet and a skull from a specimen estimated to be 27 feet has been reported), most skins available as leather are small to medium sized. This species is also characterized by the smallest scale pattern, i.e., for any given width of skin, this species will have more and smaller scales in the belly area than any other species. This feature, combined with a naturally rich, full-bodied, supple feel makes this leather a joy just to hold.
Most saltwater crocodile skins in the world leather markets are produced on the farms of Papua New Guinea and Australia. The total annual supply of this skin in only in the tens of thousands (compared to hundreds of thousands for the other two species), and its supply has been largely corralled by fashion houses in Europe and the Far East. Consequently, leathers and leathergoods made from this skin are harder to come by and are pricier.
A Final Note: Proper Tanning of Alligator and Crocodile Skins. Using a skin from the "right species" isn't enough. Among the other factors can influence the quality and value of the skin is proper tannage. The skin can be produced into high quality leather only if the skin has been properly handled and cured before arriving at the tannery, and the tannery has flawlessly taken the skin through the complex tanning process. Your leather dealer and/or manufacturer should use one of the handful of tanneries in the world specializing in the alligator and crocodile leather.
The 12 or so species of true crocodiles (Crocodylus) are restricted to the warm climates and are found mostly in the tropical regions of the world. (For example, in the USA, alligators are found as far north as North Carolina and Virginia, whereas the American Crocodile is restricted to southern Florida.) Unfortunately, many species have not been adequately protected nor wisely managed as a renewable natural resource. Consequently, their populations are depleted to the extent that trade in their skins is prohibited or severely limited by C.I.T.E.S. As a result the number of species available in significant quantities in the exotic leather market is limited to a small number of species which, precisely because of the value of their skins, have been the subject of significant farming/ranching efforts and received regulatory oversight by wildlife agencies. This approach to wildlife management, part of a strategy known as Sustainable Use Management, has had the dual effects of effective conservation and economic benefits in areas of the world where each goal independently presents challenges, to say the least. One result is that most crocodile skins entering the world leather markets are produced on farms and are small or medium sized.
Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)
The farms of South Africa, Zimbabwe and other African countries produce approximately 200,000 skins annually. Even so, the skins of this reptile have only become regularly available in the USA over the past few decades. Most are about 4 to 5 feet in length - ideal for footwear, small leathergoods and small to medium sized handbags.
Aside from consistency in size and availability, characteristics of the finished leather itself is attractive to manufacturer and consumer alike. The scales on the bellies of Nile Crocodiles are slightly more uniform in size and shape compared to those of alligator or saltwater crocodile. In general, they are more rectangular over a greater percentage of the belly skin. This is because the flank (sides of the belly skin characterized by round/oval scales) of Nile Crocodile leather is narrower than in the other species. This feature makes it ideal for the centercut patterns frequently used in manufacture of premium footwear and handbags.
Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)
Although this species grows to the largest size of all crocodilians (the record is over 20 feet and a skull from a specimen estimated to be 27 feet has been reported), most skins available as leather are small to medium sized. This species is also characterized by the smallest scale pattern, i.e., for any given width of skin, this species will have more and smaller scales in the belly area than any other species. This feature, combined with a naturally rich, full-bodied, supple feel makes this leather a joy just to hold.
Most saltwater crocodile skins in the world leather markets are produced on the farms of Papua New Guinea and Australia. The total annual supply of this skin in only in the tens of thousands (compared to hundreds of thousands for the other two species), and its supply has been largely corralled by fashion houses in Europe and the Far East. Consequently, leathers and leathergoods made from this skin are harder to come by and are pricier.
A Final Note: Proper Tanning of Alligator and Crocodile Skins. Using a skin from the "right species" isn't enough. Among the other factors can influence the quality and value of the skin is proper tannage. The skin can be produced into high quality leather only if the skin has been properly handled and cured before arriving at the tannery, and the tannery has flawlessly taken the skin through the complex tanning process. Your leather dealer and/or manufacturer should use one of the handful of tanneries in the world specializing in the alligator and crocodile leather.