Found only in New Zealand .....

[Bernzfotos]

Tuatara are rare, medium-sized reptiles (adults ranging from about 300g to 1000g) found only in New Zealand.

They are the only extant members of the Order Sphenodontia, which was well represented by many species during the age of the dinosaurs, some 200 million years ago. All species apart from the tuatara declined and eventually became extinct about 60 million years ago.

Tuatara are therefore of huge international interest to biologists and are also recognised internationally and within New Zealand as species in need of active conservation management.

Fotos taken through glass at the Nga Manu Nature Reserve, Waikanae, Wellington, New Zealand

[deltacsar665]

nice shots, these fellas look rare indeed

[Chewys Dad]

These look like some of the Reptiles used in the old Dino flicks in the 60's! Thanks for Sharing these with us.
Michael

[shiraq]

very nice capture. good lights

[tycooder]

Bernz Nice shots and the historic info is very interesting. Are these guys still roaming free in NZ

[Heaterguy]

Very nice shot and the framing is great.

[leonaashlee]

Cool...they do look rather prehistoric.

[fstopMike]

Interesting critters and thanks for sharing.