Tuatara: A Window Into the Age of Dinosaurs

Chris and Angie step back into deep time with us as we revisit one of our most fascinating episodes, New Zealand’s iconic tuatara. Often called a “living fossil,” the tuatara isn’t just another reptile; it’s the sole surviving member of an ancient lineage that walked the Earth alongside dinosaurs. In this episode, we explore what makes the tuatara truly extraordinary, from its third “parietal” eye to its incredibly slow growth and one-of-a-kind evolutionary history. We dive into its natural habitat, behaviours, and ecological role, and highlight why its story matters now more than ever. You’ll also hear about ongoing conservation efforts that are helping tuatara reclaim parts of their former range, offering hope for one of the world’s most ancient species. Whether you love evolutionary biology, unique wildlife stories, or New Zealand’s incredible biodiversity, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and rediscover the magic of the tuatara—an animal that has survived for over 200 million years and continues to inspire conservation today. =========================================================== Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices