Crocodile farming: the importance of adapting to climate change

Crocodile farming is a profitable niche industry in South Africa that is focused on supplying premium skins to the global luxury goods market. However, as the effects of climate change intensify, maintaining ideal conditions for these reptiles becomes more difficult. Sinenhlanhla Mnewango spoke to two farmers about how they're tackling these challenges while supporting conservation and economic growth in the country.

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Crocodile farming is a specialised industry that blends luxury and sustainability. But like producers in other agricultural industries around the world, South African crocodile farmers must grapple with climatic factors that significantly influence their operations and profitability.

Stefan van As, founder and managing director of Le Croc, a crocodile farm and tannery near Brits, North West, explains that crocodiles are ectothermic, which means they rely on external environmental conditions to regulate their body temperatures.

In the wild, they thrive in tropical and subtropical regions with stable climates, suitable temperatures and year-round access to water. However, South Africa’s climate, characterised by seasonal extremes, poses challenges for the industry.

“Maintaining an optimal and stable body temperature of 32°C for a crocodile requires specialised housing and stable environmental conditions,” says Van As.

“A prolonged drop in [body] temperature below 22°C can cause a crocodile to stop eating, leading to growth loss. Conversely, a body temperature that exceeds 35°C can result in heat stress and even mortality.”

To counteract these temperature fluctuations, Van As says many farms invest heavily in infrastructure, including solar-powered heating systems and water-management technologies. Such measures ensure crocodiles can thermoregulate effectively, but they come at significant operational costs, particularly during prolonged cold spells or heatwaves.

He adds that the need for controlled environments has turned crocodile farming into a capital-intensive venture. Housing must provide basking areas for warmth, shaded zones for cooling, and bodies of water to facilitate natural behaviours.

Advanced monitoring systems are also crucial to detect and manage extreme temperatures.