Tuatara are rare, medium-sized reptiles (adults ranging from about 300g to 1000g) found only in New Zealand, They are the only serviving 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.
Tuatara once lived throughout the mainland of New Zealand but have survived in the wild only on 32 offshore islands. These islands are characteristically free of rodents and other introduced mammalian predators which are known to prey on eggs and young as well as compete for invertebrate food. The islands are usually occupied by colonies of breeding seabirds that contribute to the fertility and hence the richness of invertebrate and lizard fauna needed by tuatara.
Hand crafted in New Zealand by one of New Zealand’s leading carvers. This carving has been smoked with Manuka wood which enhances the natural bone texture.
Each piece is unique and therefore may vary slightly in size, colour and markings.
Made from beef bone. STOCK LEVEL: 1 LEFT.
