Tuatara
The tuatara hasn’t changed its form in over 225 million years. It has been dubbed a ‘living fossil’ as it is the last remaining member of the ancient group of reptiles. It is endemic to NZ & in danger of becoming extinct.
The tuatara can live up to 100 years. Tuatara in Maori means ‘peaks on back’. The crest of spines along the back is more prominent in males. The male tuatara fans them out to attract females. The tuatara’s teeth are arranged so the single row of teeth in the lower jaw fit nicely between 2 rows of teeth in the upper jaw.