Articles tagged with: Breeding Programs
Posted in Animals, Earth, Environment, Global warming on 3 July 2008
Tuatara, the ancient reptile found in New Zealand is under survival threat from none other than global warming. Also, known as a “living fossil” / “living dinosaur”, this reptile has lived on our planet from the past 220 million years! That’s quite a long time. But now, this endangered animal known for its “spiny back” is facing extreme pressure on survival front due to rising global temperatures. The phenomenon of climate change has started showing its true colors in various parts of the world now. In wake of an impending threat to humans due to catastrophic events popping out as a result of both global warming and climate change, one can only imagine what little chance a reptilian species has! Tuatara is one of the oldest and relatively un-evolved species alive today. Commonly mistaken for lizards or mini crocs this animal is very different from the two and has a very primitive bone structure.
Reptiles as such are known for their sensitivity to thermal changes. Mostly being endothermic or cold-blooded creatures, the population of reptiles faces a challenge when their breeding cycles get disturbed owing to fluctuations in temperature. Something similar is happening with this New Zealandian reptile as well. Australian researches predict that with every 3-4 degree rise in air temperature the tuatara will only be able to produce male offspring by 2085. This means complete wipeout of females of the species! The researchers say their finding highlights the need for ways to predict climate change impacts in animals where sex of the offspring is determined by temperature.
A radio interview with Dr. Nicola Mitchell, from the Centre for Evolutionary Biology at the University of Western Australia, on www.radioaustralia.net reveals that by the predicted time frame, the sex change in tuatara newborns will lead to a drastic situation. In a scenario where no biological females would be found, the species will face a big question mark upon its reproductive propagation in natural habitats. Upon being asked by presenter Steve Holland as to what could be the preventive measure to this situation,
Dr. Mitchell informed about the ongoing breeding program that might be the only hope to see the species flourish some 75yrs ahead in future. But, she had her doubts on the profound effects of such artificial intervening measures. We all know that nature has her own mechanisms and one of the most powerful of them being natural selection followed by reproduction of animal species which leads to variation. The latter being very important from the point of view of survival of any species on earth.
Reflecting upon the grave issue, I’m just left wondering when are we actually going to start respecting other organisms as living beings, esply. Those, who have been sharing Earth for millions of years with us!
The picture is taken from nationalgeographic.com
Via RadioAustralia