More About Tuataras

You will recall that the answer to my quiz was 'the tuatara'. I decided to have some interesting facts about these bizarre NON LIZARD reptiles.

•  Tuataras are rare and live only in New Zealand
• There are two types of Tuatara: Sphenodon punctatus and Sphenodon guntheri
• Tuataras have a 'third eye', but it can only sense changes in light.
• The name 'Tuatara' means "Peaks on the Back" in the Maori language.
• Tuataras can drop their tales like lizards.
• Tuaturas may not be able to breed until 10 - 20 years of age
• It can take up to 15 months after mating before the eggs are laid
• Tuataras can live to be well over 100 years old.