Tuatara

Tuatara are fascinating reptiles native to New Zealand. Belonging to the order Rhynchocephalia, they are distinct from lizards and are often called "living fossils" as they are the sole surviving members of an ancient lineage that dates back approximately 240 million years.

These reptiles possess several distinctive features, including a spiny crest along their backs, two rows of teeth in their upper jaws, and a "third eye" on top of their heads that assists in detecting light. Their skeletal structure is also unique. One of the reasons tuatara are so special—and so challenging to conserve—is their incredibly slow growth and reproduction rate, with females laying eggs only once every four years.

Typically greenish-brown, tuatara can hear without external ears. The aforementioned third eye is a peculiar feature used for sensing light. Their jaws are notably complex, featuring a distinctive tooth arrangement. Additionally, they retain primitive traits such as gastralia (belly ribs) and amphicoelous vertebrae, which are more commonly found in fish. Unlike many reptiles, tuatara have a slow metabolism, are nocturnal, and can thrive in colder temperatures.

Conservationists have been diligently working to protect tuatara. Efforts include removing introduced predators like rats from their habitats on offshore islands and reintroducing captive-bred tuatara to the mainland. Various institutions operate captive breeding programs that have been critical for the survival of these ancient creatures.

In Maori mythology, tuatara hold a special place and are considered a "taonga" meaning treasure. Their unique characteristics have inspired cultural references, including comic book characters, sports teams, and even hypercar designs.