[123RF]
[123RF]

A record-breaking heat wave that swept France this summer triggered the first-ever natural hatching of 10 Nile crocodiles at a zoo in the country's southeast, AFP reported Wednesday (local time).

The phenomenon points to broader shifts in ecosystems driven by relentless heat. Nile crocodiles, native to the Nile basin and other tropical and subtropical regions, normally dig nests in sand and hatch their eggs in the ground. In captivity, zoos typically rely on temperature- and humidity-controlled incubators to manage the process.

Visitors at La Ferme aux Crocodiles, a reptile park in Pierrelatte in the Drôme department, spotted 10 crocodiles hatching without any human intervention on Saturday and alerted staff.

"For the first time, hatching occurred in a completely natural environment," park director Samuel Martin told AFP.

Sustained temperatures of 30 to 32 degrees Celsius over roughly three months are required for embryo development and hatching.

France endured multiple severe heat waves this summer, recording a record 52 days of extreme heat. The sand absorbed and retained heat throughout the day, apparently creating conditions suitable for the eggs to hatch naturally.

The 10 hatchlings are currently in good health and being kept in the park's nursery, where they will eventually be put on public display.

Martin said the unusual natural breeding event is ultimately "a sign of climate change," adding that while animals from warmer regions may thrive, those from more temperate climates could struggle.


husn7@heraldcorp.com