Thirst4Knowledge: Thinking Like a Lizard In a World of Chang

Often misunderstood and sometimes reviled, lizards and other non-avian reptiles have – with over 10,000 living species – been a remarkably successful group in evolutionary history. About 100 lizard species, and their relative the tuatara, are unique to New Zealand. What threats do these species face now and in the imminent future?

And could their low-energy lifestyles be a useful metaphor for humans seeking to reduce runaway consumption in a changing world? This month, hear from Prof Alison Cree about what biologists think might be some of the risks for reptiles from climate change.

Prof. Alison Cree is based in the Department of Zoology - Te Tari Mātai Kararehe at the University of Otago, and researches the thermal biology and reproduction of New Zealand reptiles (ngārara or kārara).