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Tuataras are considered one of the oldest living reptiles on earth. They are unique to New Zealand and are known for their unusual appearance and behavior. The name “tuatara” means “peaks on the back” in Māori, referring to the spiky appearance of their scales.

Appearance

Tuataras have unique physical characteristics that differentiate them from other reptiles. They have a distinctive crest of spines that runs from their head to the tip of their tail. They also have a “third eye” located on top of their head, which serves to regulate their circadian rhythm.

Another defining feature of the tuatara is its jaw. Unlike most reptiles, their lower jaw is fused to their skull, allowing them to exert a powerful bite. Their teeth are also unique, being fused to the jaw bone instead of being rooted in sockets.

Habitat

Tuataras are primarily found on offshore islands in New Zealand, where they thrive in rocky, forested habitats. They are nocturnal and spend most of their time underground in burrows, emerging at night to hunt for insects, spiders, and small vertebrates.

Conservation Status

Tuataras are considered to be a “living fossil,” as their ancestors roamed the earth around 200 million years ago. Unfortunately, they are also classified as “vulnerable” by the IUCN due to habitat loss and predation by non-native species.

Conservation efforts have focused on protecting the tuatara’s habitat and establishing populations on pest-free islands. In captivity, tuataras are bred and raised before being released into the wild in hopes of boosting their numbers.

Tuataras are a unique and fascinating species that have captured the imaginations of people around the world. Their unusual physical characteristics and ancient lineage make them an important part of New Zealand’s natural heritage, and efforts to protect them will ensure that future generations can continue to admire these prehistoric reptiles.