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order Rhynchocephalia is an ancient one that contains only two living
species, the tuataras of the genus Sphenodon. Today tuataras
inhabit only a few small islands of New Zealand. The Maoris of New
Zealand named the tuataras for the conspicuous spiny crest that runs down
the animals back. The word tuatara means "spiny crest" in the
Maori language. Tuataras resemble large lizards and grow to about 60
cm (24 in.) in length. They usually hide in a burrow during the day
and feed on insects, worms, and other small animals at night. Since arriving in New Zealand about 1,000 years ago, humans have radically changed the landscape and introduced predators such as rats and cats, which feed on tuataras and their eggs. As a result, tuataras have disappeared from most of their original range. |
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For any questions email Mr. Reilly at biosnake@aol.com |
