Story: Tuatara

Tuatara species

Tuatara species

There are two species of tuatara. One is the Brothers Island tuatara (Sphenodon guntheri, pictured), which, until recent re-introductions to sanctuaries, only survived on North Brother Island in Cook Strait. The other species is the common tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus), which survives on many other offshore islands. They look similar but are genetically distinct.

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Photograph by Susan Keall

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How to cite this page:

Charles Daugherty and Susan Keall, 'Tuatara - Tuatara islands', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/14987/tuatara-species (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Charles Daugherty and Susan Keall, published 24 Sep 2007