Tuatara

Discover the fascinating world of tuatara, the fragile reptile that has survived for centuries, in this comprehensive monograph. Authored by Alison Cree and published by Canterbury University Press, this hardback edition (190 x 258 mm, 600 pages) offers an in-depth examination of the unique evolutionary status of tuatara (Sphenodon) as the last remaining member of the rhynchocephalians. Explore the intricate details of tuatara's evolution, natural history, and conservation efforts, making this a must-read for both specialists and enthusiasts alike. This engaging, fully illustrated book sheds light on the tuatara's special place within Maori culture and highlights their significance in New Zealand's biodiversity. Despite being dubbed 'living fossils', tuatara are not merely relics of the past; they are vital contributors to our ecosystem. With their populations dwindling due to habitat loss and environmental changes, understanding their future prospects is crucial. This key resource provides invaluable insights, not just as an academic reference but as a treasure for anyone interested in the survival of New Zealand’s unique wildlife. Enhance your collection with this essential text that perfectly blends science with cultural history, allowing you to appreciate the tuatara's enduring legacy. Perfect for students, conservationists, and nature enthusiasts, grab your copy today and join the journey into the extraordinary life of tuatara.

Author: Alison Cree Publisher: Canterbury University Press
Bind: hardback
Dimensions: 190 x 258 mm
Pages: 600
Publication Date: 20-08-2014

Pick up virtually any textbook on vertebrate evolution and you will find mention of the curious reptile known as tuatara (Sphenodon). The special evolutionary status of tuatara as the last of the rhynchocephalians - one of the four orders of living reptiles - is unquestioned. Wild members of the sole living species are now restricted to a few dozen remote islands around the New Zealand coast, where for several centuries they have been observed and studied by humans. But are tuatara really unchanged 'living fossils', or close relatives of dinosaurs, as sometimes portrayed?

This is the first detailed monograph for decades about this enigmatic reptile, and the first to be illustrated in colour throughout. The evolution, natural history and conservation of tuatara are covered in comprehensive detail, providing a valuable resource for the specialist yet in a style accessible to a wide readership. The special place of tuatara in Maori and popular culture is also considered. Tuatara have survived alongside humans for more than 700 years, though with their numbers much reduced; what are their future prospects in a globally changing world?