However, protection given by national laws and international trading regulations have resulted in a recovery in many parts of the species range. As a whole, Nile crocodiles are not threatened, and locally large populations exist. Because of the species good status in southern and eastern Africa and the lack of information throughout most of west and central Africa, the Nile crocodile was given a moderate rating for the need for the recovery of wild population. In some areas human-crocodile conflicts have become a major problem, and is one of the driving forces behind the implementation of sustainable management programs. The Nile crocodile is one of the most commercially utilized species of crocodilians producing a classic hide.
Illegal trade is thought to be insignificant.
Countries given quotas under Res. 5.21 were permitted to export cropped skins with the understanding that the future development of crocodile management programs will move towards ranching. Sudan reverted to Appendix I status in 1994 following its failure to develop a successful ranching program. No central or west and central African countries have implemented sustainable management programs as yet. Country by country surveys of crocodile status and distribution are a prerequisite for developing conservation and management programs.