Rhyncocephalia Reptilia Chordata Animalia

Tuataras (genus Sphenodon) are the only surviving members of the Order Rhynchocephalia, which was an abundant reptile group during the Mesozoic but largely disappeared in the Late Cretaceous. Tuataras are found on relatively inaccesible islands off the coast of New Zealand. This endangered species was once widely distributed throughout New Zealand, but became extinct on the mainland before the arrival of European settlers.

• New Zealand's Tuatara - Photos and interesting facts about this animal, from reptilia an article rhyncocephalia originally published in New Zealand Geographic reptilia Magazine.
• Tuatara - Fact sheet from the Mt. Bruce National Wildlife Centre, illustrated chordata with photographs.
• Sphenodontidae - Information on the tuataras, their description, habitat, behavior, chordata reproduction and reptilia phylogenetic relationships.
• Sphenodon punctatus (Tuatara) - Description from the Animal Diversity Web, covering geographic range, physical characteristics, natural history, and endangered species status.
• Tuatara Facts - List of facts about the New Zealand native reptile.

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