Climate change affects croc reproduction

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

IUCN Crocodile specialist from Australia Dr Matthew Brien explaining crocodile feature to officers of MECDM, MFMR,
WorldFish, RSIPF and menbers of the communities.

SALTWATER crocodile across the Pacific region is facing challenges with reproduction due hotter temperatures as a result of climate change.

IUCN Crocodile specialist from Australia Dr Matthew Brien, who is here for a workshop on crocodile management project, said climate change can have a huge impact on a lot of animals, species or ecological system.

He said risk is very sensitive with the temperature changes, and when it comes to crocodiles, it can have an effect on its nesting.

Brien said in Australia as a result of climate change now saltwater crocodiles can only be found in southern parts where it is cooler.

He said they may start to move down into further southern Australia if the temperature is high to several degrees Celsius; the nest temperature determines the sex babies—32 degree Celsius we get male.

He adds, in hotter temperatures two things will happen in determining the sex of the offspring ‘but there will be higher mortality of crocs because it’s too hot’.

“So effective climate change would affect the range of temperature and in the hotter areas it may cause more mortality on nests,” he said.

According to Solomon Islands’ Government priority, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology is working on a corporate plan 2018—2020.

The plan has setup priority areas that focus on biodiversity research and non-detrimental findings for species conservation and management including crocodiles.

In terms of climate change, SIG in the 49th annual meeting of Pacific Island Forum Leaders hosted by Nauru, SIG signed the Boe Declaration, reaffirming country’s commitment towards climate change.

SIG has reiterate that climate change remains single greatest threat to the livelihood, security and wellbeing of the pacific people which including Solomon Islands.

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