Climate Change Forces Crocodiles to Adapt: What Researchers Discovered

BRISBANE, Australia – Crocodiles are facing new challenges as the climate shifts. Research from the University of Queensland shows that rising temperatures are pushing these reptiles to their limits, changing how they behave.

Over 15 years, scientists tracked around 200 wild crocodiles. They found these creatures are spending more time near their ideal body temperature of 32-33°C. This shift has affected how they cool themselves.

“Crocodiles, being ectothermic, can’t control their body temperature like mammals do. As their environment heats up, they need to focus more on cooling off,” said researcher Kaitlin Barham. “If they’re using up their energy to stay cool, it takes away from hunting, avoiding predators, and reproducing.”

Increased heat can make it harder for crocodiles to hunt. They often need to stay underwater for long periods to ambush prey. However, warmer water means they can’t dive as deeply or for as long. Craig Franklin, another researcher, explained, “Hotter crocodiles don’t dive for as long, which is concerning because they need to wait patiently underwater to catch their next meal.”

The study revealed that about 25% of the crocodiles examined had body temperatures exceeding 34°C. While researchers did not report any deaths linked to this heat stress, the findings raise serious concerns about the future of these reptiles.

Tracking crocodile body temperatures over the past 15 years shows an upward trend, which correlates with rising air temperatures. This relationship reflects broader climate changes influenced by factors like the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which affects global weather patterns.

Over time, warm periods have generally coincided with El Niño events, which have made some years the warmest on record. This trend emphasizes the long-term impact of climate change on wildlife.

While this study focuses on crocodiles, it doesn’t address how alligators are coping with similar conditions. Although both are reptiles, they are different species. Crocodiles have a narrow, V-shaped snout, while alligators have a broader, U-shaped one. It’s worth noting that there are about 100,000 saltwater crocodiles in the wild in Australia, but alligators are not native and are considered invasive.

As climate change progresses, it’s crucial to monitor how all wildlife is being affected. Crocodiles are a key part of their ecosystems, and understanding their struggles can help us protect these fascinating reptiles for the future.

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