Guide Note

The tuatara is an endangered reptile native to New Zealand. Only two species of tuatara currently exist. They are the only surviving members of the genus Sphenodon, a species that existed alongside the dinosaurs.¹ Tuatara populations are threatened not only by habitat-reduction, but also non-indigenous rodent species.²

Fast Facts

1. Members of the genus Sphenodon
2. Only two surviving species: Sphenodon punctatus, Sphenodon guntheri
3. Conservation status: Endangered
4. Only found in New Zealand
5. Length: 20-31 inches
6. Weight: 1-3 lbs
7. Lifespan: 60-100+ years³
8. Populatons can evolve DNA significantly faster than any other known species⁴

In March 2008, scientists announced the results of genetic testing on tuatara specimens. They determined that the species evolves its DNA at a rate of 1.56 changes per nucleotide every million years. This is the fastest observed rate among any currently-known species.⁴