Why Nepal's crocodiles turned orange and other news from nature

June 9:  Surprising sightings of tanned crocodiles in Nepal's Chitwan National Park and the rare Gharial species have caught the attention of researchers. These usually greenish creatures have taken on a unique orange hue, leaving experts wondering about the cause of their unusual transformation.

According to scientists, the alteration in color could be attributed to the iron-rich water in which these crocodiles and Gharials reside. "No tanning oil found at the Himalayan foothills," tweeted Professor Phoebe Griffith, one of the researchers. In a lighthearted tone, she even speculated if perhaps these reptiles were taking fashion cues from Donald Trump.

There is another explanation, one more scientific in nature. As part of the conservation project focused on preserving crocodiles, especially the Gharial, researchers have found that certain rivers and streams within the park contain elevated levels of iron. 

When iron in the water reacts with oxygen in the environment, it produces an orange hue. Reassuringly, zoologists and wildlife researchers have responded to Griffith's tweet, stating that the tan appearance is temporary and can be washed off with water containing lower iron content without causing harm to the reptiles.