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How do male tuatara defend their territories?
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tuatara
The species is the sole living member of the reptile order Rhynchocephalia.
Male tuatara defend their territories primarily through body displays and specific behaviors during the mating season, which occurs from January through March.1
To defend his territory, a male will:
* Inflate his body to appear larger.1
* Erect the crest of spines located on his head and neck.1
* Shake his head.1
If these initial displays do not deter an intruder, close encounters between males may involve a sequence of mouth-gaping behaviors, which can escalate into chases. If both males remain unwilling to yield, these pursuits may result in forceful biting. During these intense confrontations, males often produce croaking sounds, which are believed to be a byproduct of chest compression.1