In June 2011, a study was published outlining best practices for Louisiana alligator farming, the first step in the supply of alligator skin. These guidelines reinforce and refine the sustainable use program that was established in the 1970’s and 1980’s. This program is designed to conserve the population of the American alligator species used in the alligator skin trade, preserve their natural habitat and protect the farming and industrial communities that revolve around it economically. You can find the whole report here: docs/best_management_practices_allig_farms_-_june_2011.pdf