Tuataraムカシトカゲ

Species Data

Classification

Rhynchocephalia / Sphenodontidae Source

Distribution

Endemic to New Zealand, now naturally surviving on about 29 offshore islands after disappearing from the mainland; recent reintroduction programs have had some success restoring mainland populations. Source

Did You Know?

• Though lizard-like in appearance, the tuatara belongs to its own distinct order, Rhynchocephalia, and is the only living representative of that entire lineage. Source
• Hatchlings display a translucent "parietal eye" (a light-sensing third eye) at the top of the skull, but it becomes covered by opaque skin and disappears within four to six months. Source
• Often called a "living fossil" said to have remained largely unchanged for roughly 200 million years, though paleontologists note there is no continuous fossil record to actually support that claim. Source

Verified individual animals and facilities will be added as official information becomes available.

FAQ

Is the tuatara a lizard?

No. Despite its lizard-like appearance, it belongs to a separate order, Rhynchocephalia, of which it is the only living species; true lizards belong to a different order entirely. Source

Does the tuatara really have a third eye?

Hatchlings have a light-sensitive "parietal eye" visible as a translucent patch atop the skull, but it becomes covered by skin and effectively disappears within four to six months of hatching. Source

Is it accurate to call the tuatara a "living fossil"?

The label is popular but contested—while the tuatara's body plan resembles ancient relatives, paleontologists point out there is no unbroken fossil record demonstrating that it has remained unchanged for millions of years. Source