Tuatara - Sphenodon punctatus (Gray, 1842)

Tuataras are the only surviving member of the order Rhynchocephalia.  This order is separate from all other reptiles and therefore Tuataras are truly one of a kind.  There are two species of Tuatara, both of which are native only to New Zealand.  They are considered endangered and until recently, were already extinct from the mainland, occurring only on 32 of the offshore islands.  Captive breeding has allowed this species to be released back to the mainland in a fenced area, away from introduced species such as mustelids and rats.

Facts

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