Main Characteristics of Tuataras

• There is only one species of tuatara.
• "Tuatara" comes from the Maori language and translates to "peaks on the back".
• The tuatara is referred to as a "living fossil".
• It has existed for 240 million years. Since then, it has hardly changed.
• Its closest relatives are an extinct group of reptiles from the age of dinosaurs.
• Its skull features temporal bars that resemble a bony bridge. That is why it is called "Brückenechse" in German ("Brücke" = bridge, "Echse" = lizard).
• The tuatara is found only in New Zealand. More specifically, it inhabits 30 small islands. There, it is the largest reptile.
• It can focus its eyes independently of each other – just like a chameleon.
• On the top of its head is what is known as a "third eye".
• It is also referred to as a parietal or pineal eye.
• The third eye has a retina, a lens, and nerve endings. However, the tuatara still cannot see with it.
• Biologists are still not entirely sure what the third eye does. They believe it may be able to perceive UV light.
• The third eye is only visible in young animals. In adult animals, it is hidden beneath scales.
• The tuatara is a carnivore. Its diet mainly consists of invertebrates, insects, and spiders.
• It has a remarkable lifespan. It can live up to 60 years, and in some cases, even reach 100 years.
• The tuatara is ectothermic, meaning it relies on the surrounding temperature. Unlike many other reptiles, it can remain active even in cooler temperatures. Additionally, it has a lower body temperature compared to most reptiles.
• It is not considered an endangered species, but it is protected and it is prohibited to hunt or kill it.
• The biggest threat to them is the loss of habitat and the introduction of animals such as cats, dogs, rats, and mice.
• There are approximately 55,000 tuataras left.