A living ark
Tuatara
Tuatara. Photo by Tom Lynch
Common name: tuatara
Maori name: tuatara
Scientific name: Sphenodon punctatus
Status: endemic, endangered
A reptile with distinctive soft spines down its backbone. Males can grow up to 60cm in length.
Known for being old - these 'living fossils' can live for over 100 years and date from dinosaur days!
Tuatara mating in Karori Sanctuary.
Photo by Tom Lynch.
Although they can make a croaking noise, tuatara mainly use body language to communicate.
Were extinct from the mainland since the late 1700s until they were released into Karori Sanctuary in 2005, with thanks to their kaitiaki Ngati Koata. A total of 200 have been transferred to the Sanctuary. Evidence of breeding was recorded in November 2007.
Seen in the Research Area along Lake Road basking in the sun on sunny days or at night. A smaller population resides outside the Research Area in the lower valley.
More tuatara information
Tuatara factsheet 1: An introduction (300kb, pdf)
Tuatara factsheet 2: Conservation (300kb, pdf)
Tuatara factsheet 3: Behaviour (300kb, pdf)
Tuatara factsheet 4: Mating & breeding (300kb, pdf)
Tuatara factsheet 5: Distinctive feature (300kb, pdf)
Media release - Oct 07 (71kb, pdf)
Media release - 31.10.08 - First tuatara nest on mainland New Zealand in over 200 years found
Link to Research Profile: Returning tuatara to the New Zealand mainland
Link to Research Profile: Preferred body temperature of tuatara
Link to Research Profile: Tuatara mating and nesting behaviour
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