The Tuatara is a unique and ancient reptile, often referred to as the “living fossil” of New Zealand. It is the only surviving member of the Rhynchocephalia order, a group of reptiles that were once highly diverse during the age of dinosaurs.
Chester Zoo in the United Kingdom has announced a significant achievement in conservation: the successful breeding of the Tuatara, an ancient reptile well-known for its distinctive feature of having a “third eye.”
The Tuatara is one of the oldest surviving animal species on the planet, having existed for over 200 million years, from before the dinosaur era to the present day. This achievement not only provides a valuable opportunity to learn more about this reptile but also underscores the importance of conserving species threatened by environmental changes and the invasion of non-native species.
The Tuatara is one of the oldest surviving animals on the planet.
The Mystery of the Tuatara’s Third Eye
The Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) is not only an ancient reptile but also possesses a unique biological feature: “the third eye.” This may come as a surprise to many, but the truth is that not only Tuatara but many other animal species also have this light-sensitive organ. The parietal eye, or third eye, can be found in some species of lizards, frogs, and fish. Although it has a structure similar to a real eye, with a cornea, lens, and retina, the parietal eye does not have the capability to see as a normal eye does. Its retina is a simplified version, allowing it to detect changes in light rather than clear images.
The exact role of the parietal eye remains a mystery to scientists. Some hypotheses suggest it may help animals navigate by using sunlight, while others propose that the parietal eye might play a role in regulating circadian rhythms, helping these species adapt to day and night cycles.
The position of the Tuatara’s third eye.
Tuatara: A Living Witness from Prehistory
The Tuatara is considered one of the “greatest wonders” of nature. This species has survived through many tumultuous eras on Earth, witnessing the rise and extinction of dinosaurs, and continues to exist today. Despite its relatively modest appearance, the Tuatara harbors invaluable information about the evolutionary process of reptiles.
Currently, the Tuatara exists only in the wild in New Zealand. However, Chester Zoo has become the first place in the world outside of New Zealand to successfully breed this reptile. This is a significant achievement for conservationists and animal lovers alike. Karen Lambert, the head of the Ectotherms department at Chester Zoo, shared: “The Tuatara is one of nature’s greatest wonders and provides an incredible window into our planet’s prehistoric past. Its survival for around 200 million years is a testament to its adaptability and resilience.”
The skull of the Tuatara.
Conservation Efforts and Challenges
Despite surviving for hundreds of millions of years, the Tuatara now faces serious challenges in the wild. Invasive species such as rats and cats have appeared on the small islands where Tuatara live, posing a direct threat to their survival. Additionally, climate change is altering the Tuatara’s habitat, making it difficult to maintain populations in the wild.
These challenges raise the question: Why does a species that has survived since the age of dinosaurs need human assistance? The answer lies in the changes to their natural habitat, which the Tuatara has adapted to over millions of years. When environmental changes occur too rapidly, as in the case of climate change or the invasion of foreign species, the Tuatara’s ability to adapt may not be sufficient to ensure its survival.
The Tuatara is currently facing serious challenges in the wild.
Chester Zoo: A New Hope for the Tuatara
The conservation efforts at Chester Zoo have brought new hope for the future of the Tuatara. After nearly four decades of research and experimentation, the zoo has successfully bred this species, with several successful hatches occurring in 2017 and 2020. This success is the result of the dedication and relentless efforts of the zoo’s experts and opens up opportunities for deeper research on this reptile.
The new Tuatara at Chester Zoo are not only a scientific achievement but also an important educational tool. Their presence at the zoo can help raise public awareness about the importance of conserving this ancient animal, as well as the challenges they face in the wild.
The Tuatara is considered one of the “greatest wonders” of nature.
The Tuatara, a reptile with a history spanning hundreds of millions of years and a mysterious third eye, is one of the most incredible creatures on our planet. Although it has survived great upheavals in Earth’s history, the Tuatara now faces the threat of extinction due to human impact. Success in breeding the Tuatara at Chester Zoo is not only a significant step forward in conservation efforts but also a reminder of our responsibility to protect these rare and ancient species.
It is hoped that, with continuous conservation efforts, the Tuatara will continue to thrive and become a symbol of survival and adaptability in the natural world, providing inspiration and valuable knowledge for future generations.
