TUATARA

Sphenodon punctatus

The Tuatara (meaning Peaked Back in Maori) is a species of reptile found in New Zealand. The reptile is not a lizard, but forms its own order called Rhynchocephalia. The Tuatara measures about 2 Ft (0.33 M) and weighs only 3 Lbs (1 Kg.) The lizard can live to be about forty years old. The teeth of a Tuatara are extremely unique. The top jaw has two rows of teeth while the bottom jaw has one row that rests between the top layer. They like a few other reptiles have a third eye which is used to determine different times of day. This helps the tuatara know when to stay in or out of the shade or when to return to its burrow.

The arrival of the Maori people caused the population of the Tuatara to decrease. It has been estimated that only 80,000 Tuataras remain. These Tuataras live on a few small Islands surrounding the north part of the mainland. The Maori people brought Polynesian Rats and many other pests to the Island. The same pests have caused animals like the Kakapo to become endangered.

They are extremely territorial animals. If threatened the tuatara can inflict a painful bite and is reluctant to release its grip. They feed on small invertebrates such as beetles, crickets and spiders and occasionally frogs and lizards.