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The Tuatara are an endemic species of lizard found exclusively in New Zealand. Their body colouration is greenish-brown and grey. They grow to an adult length of around 31 inches (80 cm) from head to tail-tip, and can weigh up to 3lbs (1.3 kg).
See the related link to Wikipedia's excellent article on the species.
What else can I help you with?
Is a tuatara a fish?
No. The tuatara is a unique reptile which looks like a lizard but is not classified as a lizard.
What are two unusual animals unique to New Zealand?
The kiwi bird, and the tuatara, a reptile known as the 'living fossil'.
What is a tuatara's enemies?
Tuatara, a unique reptile native to New Zealand, faces threats from various predators, particularly introduced species. Rats, cats, and dogs pose significant risks to tuatara, especially to their eggs and young. Additionally, habitat destruction and climate change further endanger their populations. Conservation efforts are in place to protect tuatara from these threats.
What do you call a baby tuatara?
There is no particular name for a baby tuatara. Newly hatched tuatara are called hatchlings, and tuatara that are not yet adult are simply called juvenile tuatara.
What animal group are tuatara in?
Tuatara are reptiles and, although lizard-like in appearance, they are not actually lizards. They are the only surviving members of the unique reptile group known as Sphenodontia, which are believed to have been around at the same time as the dinosaurs.
What is being done and should be done to protect tuatara?
To protect tuatara, conservation efforts focus on habitat restoration, predator control, and breeding programs. Organizations are working to eradicate invasive species that threaten tuatara populations, and many tuatara are being relocated to predator-free islands. Continued research on their ecology and genetics is essential for informed management strategies. Additionally, raising public awareness about the tuatara's unique status and ecological role can foster support for conservation initiatives.
Is a tuatara a dragon?
No. Iguanas and tuatara are quite different species. Whilst both iguanas and tuatara are reptiles, the iguana is a type of lizard, whereas the tuatara is not classified as a lizard.
What Vertebrate group is the tuatara in?
The tuatara is a reptile.
Where tuatara relatives?
Tuatara relatives include various reptiles, particularly those in the order Lepidosauria, which encompasses lizards and snakes. More specifically, tuatara are part of the group Rhynchocephalia, which is distinct from the more diverse squamates (lizards and snakes). This lineage dates back to the time of the dinosaurs, making tuatara a unique and ancient group of reptiles. While they have few close living relatives, their evolutionary history offers insights into the adaptation and diversity of reptiles.
Is Tuatara a dinosaur?
No. Tuataras are more closely related to lizards and snakes than to dinosaurs. Dinosaurs are more closely related to crocodiles and even more closely related to birds, which are their only living descendants.
How many species of the Tuatara are there?
There are only two species of tuatara: The Northern tuatara (Sphenodon guntheri) and the Brothers Island tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus).
Is a tuatara a mammal?
No, Rhynchocephalia is not a subset of Mammalia. The tuatara is a reptile.
