Nile crocodiles hatch naturally in French heatwave

Ten Nile crocodiles hatched without human assistance at a wildlife park in southeastern France after prolonged heat created conditions close to those needed for natural incubation, the reserve's director said.

Samuel Martin, director of La Ferme aux Crocodiles in Pierrelatte, told AFP it was the first time the reserve had seen incubation take place entirely under natural conditions.

Visitors alerted staff on Saturday after spotting the hatchlings. Martin said the “unprecedented natural process” was also “a marker of climate change”.

Nile crocodile eggs need a constant temperature of 30C to 32C for about three months for embryos to develop and hatch. Zoos usually use controlled incubators to monitor temperature and humidity.

France has endured three summer heatwaves, with a record 52 days of extreme heat worsened by climate change. Martin said the prolonged hot weather allowed sand to retain enough heat for the subtropical species to reproduce naturally.

All 10 hatchlings are doing well, though they will remain under close observation in the nursery before being shown to the public. Martin said species from very hot countries were comfortable in the conditions, while species from more temperate environments may have suffered more.