Species like the Chinese alligator, which will likely lose all its semi-natural habitat, pose a difficult question. Captivity is only a very short term answer. Domestic cattle and horses are among the most common ungulates, yet the wild species that gave rise to them are amongst the most endangered mammals. Most species of crocodilians, however, still have the potential to survive in the wild if we can develop balanced plans for the maintenance of their habitat. This means mapping habitat and determining the threats to that habitat.
Sustainable use is only valuable if it fits into an integrated plan.
The idea that making a few people economically dependent on crocodilians will ensure the crocodiles survival is ludicrous. Large development plans will always win out. Conservationists do use, and very much appreciate the support of farmers, ranchers, hunters and tanners. However the idea that we can then sit back and leave it up to those overworked businessmen to save habitats for us is a sad dream. They can help, but only if we give them an integrated plan which they can support.