Tuatara
The Tuatara Sphenodon is a unique reptile native to New Zealand. It is the only surviving member of an ancient order of reptiles, and it is often referred to as a "living fossil".
The Tuatara is known for its slow-moving, lizard-like appearance and its unique "third eye," a light-sensitive organ on the top of its head.
The Tuatara is a nocturnal animal and a powerful predator, feeding on insects, spiders, and other small animals. It has a very long lifespan, with some individuals living for over 100 years. The Tuatara is a protected species, and its populations are slowly recovering thanks to dedicated conservation efforts.
The Tuatara's ancient lineage and unique biology make it a fascinating and important animal to study.
Tuatara
Classification
Reptilia > Rhynchocephalia > Sphenodontidae > Sphenodon > S. punctatus
Native To
Conservation Status
Average Height
1 - 1.5 feet
(0.3 - 0.5 m)
Average Weight
1 - 2 lbs
(0.5 - 0.9 kg)
Average Life Span
60 - 100 years
Gestation Period
11 - 16 months
Did You Know?
The Tuatara is a reptile endemic to New Zealand and is the only surviving lineage of an order of reptiles that flourished 200 million years ago.
They have a "third eye" on the top of their head, called a parietal eye, which is sensitive to light and helps regulate their circadian rhythm.
Tuataras can live for over 100 years, making them one of the longest-living vertebrates.
They are nocturnal and thrive in cooler temperatures, preferring temperatures between 16-21°C (60-70°F).
The sex of a Tuatara is determined by the temperature of the nest; warmer temperatures produce males, and cooler temperatures produce females.
Tuataras are excellent burrowers and often share their burrows with seabirds.
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