Animal Partnerships 



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" On some of the islands," says Buller, " there 

 exists a very remarkable lizard the tuatara of 

 the Maoris. Wherever the tuatara and burrow- 

 ing petrel coexist there appears to be a perfect 

 understanding between them, and they share 

 the same habitation. When, as often happens, 

 the terminal chamber of the burrow has two 

 chambers, one is occupied by the bird and the 

 other by the reptile usually cheek by jowl." 



The curious part of the story follows. Or- 

 dinarily the lizard is timid and does its best 

 to escape ; but here, whenever any one attempts 

 to meddle with the bird on its nest the lizard 

 immediately comes to the rescue, attacking 

 the hands with exceeding ferocity and biting 

 fiercely. So real and constant is this defense 

 that collectors of the petrel's eggs are obliged 

 to dispose of their faithful guardian before they 

 can get at the nest. What reward the tuatara 

 exacts or receives for this friendly service, be- 

 yond the shelter it enjoys, is not known. 



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