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You are probably referring to the Tuatara, which whilst a reptile, is not a lizard - it has its own classification, the Sphenodontia - referring to a small beak at the end of the nose. Two species. These diverged from the reptile family about 200 Million years ago (Mya), roughly the same time as birds also diverged from the same family.
The Tuatara has evolved somewhat from its Mesozoic ancestors, so it is incorrect to refer to it as "a living fossil". They remain active down to 5 deg C, and an ambient above 28 deg C is fatal. Normal temp range is about 16 - 20 deg C.
However, NZ has many species of Lizards and Skinks, which are all endemic. One of the curiosities of the Skinks is that they give birth to live young - oviviparus -perhaps two young. This is thought to be a response to recent ice ages. (?)
Geckoes are often brightly coloured and climb scrub trees, and have a scaly skin. Skinks are generally duller in colour, ground living, and have a smooth skin.
What else can I help you with?
What reptile resembles a lizard and lives only off the coast of new zealand?
Tuatara.
What is the name of a large lizard like reptile from New Zealand?
tuatara!
What does the New Zealand kiwi represent?
It represents the fact that they are only found in new zealand ! and are unique to that country it can also represent new zealanders!
What types of lizards live in New Zealand?
The only lizards native to New Zealand are geckos and skinks.Some species include:Chevron skinkCyclodina skinkGrand skinkOtago skinkStriped skinkWestland green geckoJewelled green geckoDuvaucel's geckoNelson green geckoThe tuatara is a reptile unique to New Zealand, but it is not truly a lizard.
Why is the falcon on the New Zealand Twenty Dollar note?
New Zealand uses indigenous flora and fauna on the reverse of its banknotes. The New Zealand Falcon or karearea, is mostly found in the alpine regions of the south island, but can be found in the southern most areas of the north island. The New Zealand Falcon is New Zealands only endemic falcon, and New Zealands only endemic bird of prey.
What are the five types of?
Crocodiles and alligatorsLizardsSnakesTuataras (two lizard-like species found only in New Zealand)Turtles and tortoises
What are the five types of reptiles?
Crocodiles and alligatorsLizardsSnakesTuataras (two lizard-like species found only in New Zealand)Turtles and tortoises
What reptile resembles a lizard and lives only off the coast of new zealand?
Tuatara.
What makes the kiwi a treasure to new Zealand?
its only found in New Zealand
What is a Kakpo and where is it found?
a kakapo is only found in new zealand
What is new zealand's native lizard called?
tuatara
How many species of lizard are there in NZ?
There are probably at least 80 species that are endemic (occur only in New Zealand
What New Zealand lizard has survived for almost 200 million years and is the only living species of its type?
The Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus), though technically, the Tuatara is not a lizard.
What is animal that has three eyes?
The Tuatara, a lizard-like reptile that lives only in New Zealand, has those three "eyes".
What is the large-lizard reptiles from New Zealand.?
The tuatara is a lizard-like reptile from New Zealand, and the only one that fits the description, because it is not a true lizard. However, it is not particularly large. It tends to be considered more small to medium sized, up to 24cm in length (this is quite different from the incorrect size quoted on the San Diego Zoo website).
What is the name of a large lizard like reptile from New Zealand?
tuatara!
What does the New Zealand kiwi represent?
It represents the fact that they are only found in new zealand ! and are unique to that country it can also represent new zealanders!
