A group of three-eyed reptiles, which have been described as one of the greatest marvels in nature, have moved into a new home at Chester Zoo.
Tuataras have existed on our planet for over 200 million years, making them older than the dinosaurs. Fossil evidence has indicated that they mostly died out 70 million years ago, possibly due to the emergence of invasive species like rats. Nevertheless, they managed to survive in New Zealand on some isolated small islands. Only about 50,000 are thought to be currently living in the wild.
Chester Zoo’s Karen Lambert said about them:
“These reptiles were here well before humans and it’s a real shame that they’re now so highly threatened after surviving all of this time. But the good news is that all the information we gathered from our breeding successes have been shared with the international conservation community…”
As part of the conservation breeding programme at the zoo, some six tuataras will live in the new habitat, which mimics the conditions found in their native environment. The third eye atop the head is one of their most striking features. This is not used for sight, however—despite having a lens, cornea, retina and nerve endings—but rather to gauge sunlight intensity in order to navigate and better regulate hormones, circadian rhythm and body temperature.
Chester Zoo is a must-do experience for anyone coming to study in Chester. If you’re one of these, you can find quality student accommodation in Hoole and other locations close to the university, sometimes with no fees to pay up front.
Written by Kate
