A joint governmental/NGO project to attempt to save the Orinoco Caiman - which is actually a type of crocodile - is taking place along the River Orinoco in Venezuela. The recovery and protection program involves farms which produce young Caimans, which are then introduced into the wild. If the program is successful, and they are taken off the endangered animals list, they may again be used for commercial purposes, but right now, these are one of the most protected creatures on the South American continent.