Tuatara Population on the Rise Again!

The tuatara, a lizard-like creature that is endemic to New Zealand, has been facing a population crisis in recent years. However, new research suggests that the population is on the rise again!

In the late 1800s, the tuatara population was estimated at around 65 million creatures. However, by the early 2000s, that number had decreased to less than 18,000. This dramatic decline was largely due to habitat loss and introduced predators such as cats and dogs.

However, a new study published in the journal Biological Conservation has found that the population of tuatara is starting to recover. The study surveyed 1,500 sites across New Zealand and found that tuatara populations are increasing in areas where they have been reintroduced.

The researchers say that this shows that Tuatara can be successfully reintroduced and managed in areas where they have been lost – something which could be vital in helping to preserve this unique species.

So why is the tuatara so important? Well, for one thing, they are one of the longest-living creatures on Earth – some have been known to live for over 200 years! They are also an important part of New Zealand's natural history and culture.

The comeback of the tuatara is definitely good news – let's hope their population continues to grow!

Tuatara Hatch at the Zealandia Sanctuary!

The tuatara is a critically endangered lizard that can be found only in New Zealand. They have been around for over 200 million years, making them one of the oldest species of reptiles on the planet!

This week, the Zealandia Sanctuary in Wellington announced that they had successfully hatched six tuatara eggs! The eggs were incubated for 278 days before hatching, and the baby tuatara are now being cared for in the sanctuary's nursery.

Sanctuary staff are cautiously optimistic about the babies' chances for survival. Tuatara are notoriously slow to mature, and it will be many years before these juveniles are ready to be released into the wild. But every hatchling is an important step towards preserving this ancient creature.

If you're ever in Wellington, be sure to visit Zealandia and see these amazing creatures firsthand!

Rare Tuatara Sighting in Wellington!

Yesterday morning, a tuatara was spotted on the grass near the Parliament Buildings in Wellington!

This is a rare sighting, as there are only around 100,000 tuatara left in the wild. Tuatara are an iconic part of New Zealand's natural heritage and it is great to see one thriving in our capital city.

Tuataras are reptiles that can live for up to 100 years and they are the only surviving members of an ancient group of reptiles that once roamed the earth. They are unique to New Zealand and you can find them nowhere else in the world.

There are several breeding populations of tuatara around the country, but their long life spans and low reproductive rates make them vulnerable to extinction. It is therefore important to protect these creatures and their habitats.

If you see a tuatara, please do not disturb it and report your sighting to the Department of Conservation (DOC).

New Zealand's Unique Lizard is Making a Comeback!

The tuatara is a lizard endemic to New Zealand that until recently was thought to be extinct. However, recent surveys have found that there are now more tuataras living in the wild than there were before human settlement of New Zealand!

The tuatara is a unique lizard in many ways. Unlike most lizards, the male tuatara has a very long tail (almost twice as long as the body), and it also possesses two rows of spikes down its back. The tuatara also has a third eye on the top of its head - this "parietal eye" is photosensitive and helps the lizard regulate its body temperature.

Tuataras are incredibly slow-moving creatures, and they can take up to a year to reach sexual maturity. They are also quite reclusive, preferring to live in dark, damp environments such as caves and burrows.

Tuataras have been around for over 200 million years - they are one of the oldest living species on Earth! And thanks to conservation efforts, it looks like they will be around for many years to come.

Tuatara thriving in protected wild

The tuatara is thriving in the protected wild, according to a new study.

The study found that the population of tuatara, which is listed as endangered, has increased by around 33 percent in the last decade.

The Department of Conservation attributes the population growth to ongoing conservation work and the establishment of several new sanctuaries on offshore islands.

"This is really great news for tuatara," said DOC senior advisor threatened species Dr Andrew Digby.

"Tuatara are an iconic species and we are working hard to ensure their survival into the future. The population increase is largely thanks to dedicated conservation efforts by DOC and our partners over many years."

Tuatara were once widespread throughout New Zealand, but they declined in numbers due to habitat loss and introduced predators such as rats, dogs, and stoats.

Today, there are estimated to be around 60,000 tuatara living in the wild – up from around 43,000 in 2006.

The most recent survey found that tuatara are now present on 31 offshore islands where they are managed by DOC and its partners. This is up from just 20 islands in 2006.