Step into the world of our tuatara and unlock the wonders of these extraordinary creatures
Tuatara is a Maaori word meaning "peaks on the back".
Although similar in appearance, the tuatara isn't a lizard. The tuatara is the only surviving member of an ancient group of reptile, the Rhynchocephalia, which means "beak-headed". The oldest fossils of tuatara are found in rocks dating back to the Jurassic age - 180 million years ago. Fossil evidence indicated that the other members of Rhynchocephalia have ben extinct for 60 million years.
Why isn't it a lizard? The only obvious difference you'll be able to see is the external ear opening, which is present in lizards but absent in tuatara.
They are well-muscled, have sharp claws, and partially webbed feet. Care must be taken when handling these creatures, as the tail can break off. Though the tail eventually regrows, it can come back a different colour!
Tuatara will whip with their tail, bite, and scratch to escape danger.
Tuatara may live to over 100 years old. Sexual maturity is reached at about 20 years. Males may weigh more than 1kg. Females are smaller, and rarely exceed 500g in weight. In captivity, they may grow larger than in the wild. They grow slowly, and may still be growing at age 50.
Please remember that all reptiles are protected in New Zealand. None may be kept without a permit.
Quick facts
Distribution:
Isolated islands near New Zealand
Habitat:
Coastal shrub and bush areas on isolate islands free of predators
Conservation Status:
Least Concern