Observations on the activity and thermoregulation of the tuatara,Sphenodon punctatus (Reptilia: Rhynchocephalia), on Stephens Island

Abstract

Observations on Stephens Island, Cook Strait, in December 1978 show that although the tuatara is generally most active at night, many animals spend much of the day at or beyond burrow entrances, apparently to increase their body temperature. During the day, tuataras tend to move further from burrows which are under shaded forest than from those in open pasture. By day, mean body temperatures (±SE) ranged from 17.2±0.5°C in forest shade to 24.6±1.1°C in full sunlight; the maximum body temperature recorded was 26.3°C. The significance of these observations is discussed.