Global News - July 2008
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Ancient species of lizards could be extinct by 2085
Thu 03 July 2008 14:00 UK — Australasia,Reptiles
Researchers have warned that climate change could threaten a species of rare reptiles from New Zealand.
The team from the University of Western Australia warned that climate change is affecting an endangered species of reptile called the tuatara.
According to the researchers, temperature increases mean that more male offspring are being produced.
In an article in Proceedings of The Royal Society, the team explained that climate, soil and topography interact with physiology and nesting behaviour to determine sex ratios in the species.
A model has suggested that rising temperatures could push the reptile to the brink of extinction by 2085.
Dr Nicola Mitchell suggested that the reptiles could be saved if they were relocated further south or to areas inland where microclimates meant the temperatures were more conducive for breeding.
"Tuatara are ancient animals - their ancestors were scurrying around the feet of dinosaurs. It would be a great shame to lose them," Dr Mitchell explained.
"Translocations of tuatara to islands south of their current range are already occurring. We now have a tool to identify which locations would produce favourable sex ratios under climate change."
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