Global warming is product industrialization and commercial activities. “The tuatara or ‘living fossil’” (Kiwi Conservation Club, par. 1) which is the only survivor from the dinosaur’s era is among the affected reptiles.
Researchers carried out a study on the existence of the tuatara against the current global warming. “A rare tuatara species known as Sphenodon guntheri in New Zealand had 477 individuals captured, with a 60% male bias in the adult population” (Allendorf et al 60). The results showed that females had a low ability to conceive. Their first breeding was at fifteen while producing clutches of three to eight every nine years: a low population growth rate. A risk assessment method showed that the current population could persist for at least 2000 years at hatchling sex ratios of up to 75% male. On the other hand, Populations with 85% male hatchlings are expected to become extinct within approximately 300 years: equivalent to eight generations (Allendorf et al 60). Higher levels of male populations reduce extinction increasing survival to up to 200 years. Related breeding of individuals increased the extinction under male-biased sex ratios, with no simulated populations surviving at hatchling sex ratios >75% male. Superior traits of survival come from breeding different families.
“Because recent models have predicted that climate change could lead to the production of all-male S. guntheri hatchlings by 2085. This means that after 2085 there may be no more males of the species. Examination on whether periodic intervention to produce mixed or female-biased sex ratios would allow the population to survive if only males were produced in natural nests was carried. Revealing chances for survival” (Allendorf et al 60).
“Intervention at every 2-3 years could buffer the effects of climate change on population sex ratios” (Allendorf et al 60). They can also be moved to cooler areas increasing survival levels. Using female sex bias and mixed bias can also aid (Allendorf et al 60). Appropriate measures to save tuatara should be taken.
Works Cited
Allendorf, Fred, Susan Mitchell, & Nicola Nelson. “Global Change Biology,” Global Warming, 16.1 (2010): 60-72.
Kiwi Conservation Club. Tuatara, 2009. Web.