Exotic leather
Of the 5.000 plus species of mammals, about 50 are used for leather production. Most processed leather in the world comes from animals that are reared for meat and/or dairy consumption. Besides other uses, animals such as cows including zebu, water buffalo, sheep or goats and pigs are used for byproducts like hides and/or skin. This makes up more than 90% of the world production. Any leather apart from these animals can be considered to be ‘Exotic Leather’
Cow leather - goats - pigs
| species | percentage leather production |
|---|---|
| cows, calves, water buffalos | 65-70% |
| sheep | 10-12% |
| goats | 8-10% |
| pigs | 5-7% |
Exotic leathers are leather from animal species that are relatively rare or leather from skin parts of animals that are rarely processed into leather. Some exotic leathers are protected by the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora). Crocodile or snake skin leathers are commonly addressed as leather. However, other exotic leathers like fish leather, leather from chicken legs or from cow belly/stomach also exist. Depending on the culture, the definition of what is exotic leathers, differs.
Is exotic Leather better than other normal forms of leather? Some exotic leather surfaces may feel softer and hence more appealing or they might just look different or unique. Fur for instance can be particularly soft or have a unique colour. However, most human needs can be satisfied from leather which currently comprises 90% of world meat production. In the recent years, there seems to be an increase in trend where artificial man made forms of leather like vinyl leatherette are used. None of the exotic leathers offer anything superior in terms of quality, durability, resistance or other practical properties. Mostly, exotic leathers are unique mainly because of their texture, look and colour and hence they are more valuable.
Water buffalo leather, Buffalo leather, deerskin, beaver fur, reindeer leather or elkskin are not very common, but there are no exotic leather in the strict sense.
Buffalo - Water buffalo - Deer
The leather of the following species is "exotic leather":
- Alligator leather
- Alpaca fur
- Antelope leather
- Armadillo leather
- Bird leather
- Bull testicles
- Camel leather
- Carpincho leather
- Cat fur
- Chicken leather
- Crocodile leather
- Dog leather
- Donkey leather
- Elephant leather
- Fish leather: Eel, shark, salmon, moray eel, stingray and many others
- Frog leather - Toad leather
- Giraffe leather
- Hippo Leather
- Horsehide - Horse leather
- Kangaroo leather
- Llama Fur
- Lizard leather
- Ostrich leather
- Pangolin leather
- Peccary leather
- Rumen leather
- Sealskin leather
- Snakeskin
- Turtle skin
- Walrus leather
- Yak leather
- Zebra hide
These leathers are in other countries and cultures not necessarily exotic leather: Kangaroo leather, horse leather or ostrich leather.
From a lot of species the skin is processed to leather, while the hair is obtained (hides, furs). For example cow hide, sheepskin, rabbit fur, sealskin or beaver fur.
Video about leather of different animal species
Leather of different animal species - Exotic leather
Additional information
- CITES - Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora
- Taxidermy - Hunting trophies - Mounted animals
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