If one reads the journal of Cabeza De Vaca, one notes that during his journey from Florida to the Pacific Coast of Mexico between 1527-36, he did not see a single alligator. Indians ate them.
Interestingly, that is true today. Look at the range map of the Salt Water Crocodile. Vietnam is clearly and solidly in it’s range. But in all the stories of the Vietnam War, and in tourism today....no stories of salties in Vietnam.
Turns out in Vietnam they eat them! A saltie there over 3 feet long is quickly caught and roasted as street food.