The Nearly Extinct Tuatara
New Zealand is famous for one of the most endangered species – the Tuatara. Lots of people think that the tuatara is a lizard but it is part of the dinosaur family.
Special Features.
Tuataras have an organ called a third eye on top of their head. They have good eyesight. They can camouflage themselves so predators can’t see them. Tuatara have no ear holes but they can still hear.
Food.
Tuatara eat only meat. They eat insects, wetas, lizards and spiders. Tuatara eat eggs, baby birds and even other tuatara. It is a carnivore. A carnivore is something that eats its own kind.
Habitat
Tuatara have lived in New Zealand since the time of the dinosaurs. Tuatara live in burrows. Tuatara are only found on small islands such as Stephens and Brother’s Islands in Cook Strait.
Endangered Status.
Now tuatara are an endangered species found only in New Zealand. They are close to extinction. There are there not many in the wild. Tuatara are mainly extinct because of hawks, hunters and pigs killing them.
Conclusion.
The tuatara is special to New Zealand. We try to protect tuatara from predators because they are one of New Zealand’s reptiles. I wish that I might see one, one day.
By Maiolo F.
