FaunaHub

Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus)

ReptileRhynchocephaliaLiving fossil

Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) at Zealandia EcoSanctuary, New Zealand.

Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus), Zealandia EcoSanctuary, New Zealand.

Image: Judi Lapsley Miller, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Overview

The tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) is a remarkable reptile found only in New Zealand. Though lizard-like in appearance, it is not a lizard: it is the sole surviving member of an ancient order, Rhynchocephalia, whose other members died out long ago. For this reason the tuatara is often described as a “living fossil.”

Tuatara are slow-living animals, with a low body temperature, slow growth, and exceptional longevity. They are a taonga (treasure) in New Zealand and a flagship for the conservation of the country's unique wildlife.

Conservation note: tuatara survive mainly on predator-free offshore islands and in protected sanctuaries, having disappeared from the mainland under pressure from introduced predators. Verify current status at iucnredlist.org.

Habitat & Range

Tuatara live in cool temperate habitats on offshore New Zealand islands and in fenced or island sanctuaries, often in coastal forest and scrub. They frequently share burrows dug by seabirds, sheltering by day and emerging at night.

Diet

Tuatara are carnivores that feed on invertebrates such as beetles, crickets, and the large insects called wētā, along with occasional small vertebrates, eggs, and chicks. Their slow metabolism means they can do well on relatively infrequent meals.

Behavior

Tuatara are mainly nocturnal and active at surprisingly low temperatures compared with most reptiles. They grow slowly, mature late, and can live for many decades — among the longest-lived reptiles. They possess a well-developed “parietal eye,” a light-sensitive structure on top of the head that is most visible in young animals.

Human Interaction & Conservation

The tuatara's decline on mainland New Zealand was driven largely by introduced mammalian predators and habitat loss. Conservation relies on predator-free islands, sanctuaries, and careful management, and it is a species of high cultural and scientific importance. For current status, consult authoritative sources such as the IUCN Red List.

More photos of the tuatara

Tuatara basking, showing its spiny crest.

Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) basking.

Image: Nil NZ, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently Asked Questions — Tuatara

Is a tuatara a lizard?
No. Although it looks lizard-like, the tuatara is not a lizard. It is the only living member of an ancient reptile order, Rhynchocephalia, which is distinct from the lizards and snakes (Squamata). This is why the tuatara is so scientifically special.
Why is the tuatara called a living fossil?
Because it is the last survivor of a once-widespread group of reptiles that flourished alongside the dinosaurs and otherwise died out. Studying the tuatara offers a window into a very old branch of reptile evolution, though the animal itself is fully modern and adapted to its environment.
How long do tuatara live?
Tuatara are exceptionally long-lived, with lifespans measured in many decades; they grow slowly and mature late. Precise longevity is hard to pin down but they are among the longest-lived reptiles.
Where can tuatara be found?
Only in New Zealand, mainly on predator-free offshore islands and in protected sanctuaries. They vanished from the mainland under pressure from introduced predators, so their survival depends on careful conservation management.

Sources and further reading

Authoritative wildlife references used for general educational context. Conservation status should always be verified against current IUCN Red List data. External links open in a new tab.