Tuatara populations rebound after being declared extinct!

The tuatara, a reptile endemic to New Zealand, was once thought to be extinct but populations have now been found on three different islands.

The tuatara is a lizard-like creature that can live up to 100 years and was once abundant in New Zealand. However, their population declined significantly due to hunting and the introduction of predators such as rats and dogs. The tuatara was declared extinct in 1995, but recent surveys have found small populations on three different islands.

One of the reasons for the rebound in tuatara populations is the eradication of predators from some of the islands. For example, on Stephens Island, all feral cats were eliminated in 2011 and as a result, the population of tuatara has increased from around 200 to over 2,000.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is now working to protect these populations by creating predator-free havens and by undertaking research into the best ways to manage these animals.

The discovery of these populations is great news for conservationists and offers hope that other species that were once thought extinct may also still exist.

Discovered: the world's oldest living vertebrate!

On March 17, 2016, an international team of scientists led by University of Queensland's Dr. Craig Brook announced the discovery of a 196-year-old fish--the world's oldest living vertebrate!

The Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus), which was found in the North Atlantic Ocean, is a member of the elasmobranch family that also includes sharks and rays. This ancient fish can grow up to 21 feet in length and weigh more than 1,500 pounds.

The discovery was made using radiocarbon dating of the shark's eye lenses. The results showed that the animal was born in 1820, making it the oldest living vertebrate on Earth.

"This is an amazing discovery," said Brook. "It proves that this species can live for more than two centuries."

The Greenland shark has long been known to be a slow-growing and long-lived species, but this is the first time that a confirmed age has been obtained for one of these animals. Sharks typically have a lifespan of around 50 years, but some species can live up to 100 years or more.

Scientists are still not sure how the Greenland shark manages to live so long, but they believe that it may be due to its low metabolic rate and slow swimming speed. These characteristics allow the shark to conserve energy and avoid predators.

The findings of this study could help researchers learn more about how aging works and how it affects different species. The data collected could also be used to develop strategies for mitigating the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems.

New Zealand's 'living fossil' tuatara set for return to the wild!

New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC) is planning to release a small population of tuatara into the wild, in an effort to help boost the population's numbers.

Tuatara are unique reptiles that are found only in New Zealand. They are often called 'living fossils' because they are the only living members of an order that was alive over 200 million years ago!

The DOC has been working hard to increase the tuatara population, and has been successful in breeding them in captivity. However, there is still a need to release some of these animals into the wild to help spread their genes.

A small number of tuatara will be released onto Stephens Island, off the coast of New Zealand. This island has been chosen because it has ideal habitat for these animals, and it is also free from predators such as rats and cats.

The DOC is confident that this release will be a success, and that it will help to increase the numbers of tuatara in the wild.

Return of the living fossil: tuatara make a comeback in NZ!

When you think of iconic New Zealand animals, the tuatara is likely one of the first that comes to mind. And for good reason – these ancient reptiles have been around for over 200 million years!

But in spite of their long history, tuatara populations were in decline for many years. They were even listed as an endangered species in 2017.

Fortunately, their fortunes have changed in recent years. Thanks to conservation efforts, tuatara populations are now on the rise – with sightings becoming more common across the country.

This is great news for New Zealanders and tourists alike, as the return of the living fossil is a real treat! Here are some tips to help you spot a tuatara during your next visit to NZ:

Tuatara can be found in a number of different habitats, including forests, shrublands and grasslands.

They are nocturnal creatures, so the best time to see them is during the evening or early morning.

Many tuatara can be found at sanctuaries and zoos, but there are also populations living in the wild. Try checking out reserves such as Karori Wildlife Sanctuary in Wellington or Rotokakahi Greenstone Quarry near Gisborne.

So what makes these ancient reptiles so special? For starters, they are one of the only survivors of an era when dinosaurs roamed the earth! Tuatara have also evolved differently than any other animal on our planet, making them an important link in the evolution chain.

With their populations on the rise once again, now is a great time to head out and see these unusual creatures for yourself!

How tuatara are saving New Zealand's ecosystems

New Zealand is known for its many unique animals, including the tuatara. This ancient reptile is the last surviving member of an order that went extinct over 200 million years ago. Tuatara can be found throughout the country, but they are most common on offshore islands and in protected areas.

Tuatara play an important role in New Zealand's ecosystems. They are predators, and their diet includes a variety of insects, lizards, small mammals, and bird eggs. By keeping populations of these animals in check, tuatara help to maintain balance in the environment.

In addition to their ecological importance, tuatara are also valuable to tourism. People come from all over the world to see these rare creatures in their natural habitat. The Department of Conservation (DOC) does a great job of managing Tuatara populations and protecting their habitats, which helps ensure that these amazing creatures will continue to thrive for years to come.