Without moving a limb, an ancient reptile called a Tuatara keeps an eye on the visitors to the Auckland Zoo on the North Island of New Zealand allowing everyone to capture a close up picture. An endangered species of reptile, the Tuatara has decreased in numbers over the years and with its extremely slow breeding process, it makes things hard to keep this species around.
The Auckland Zoo is home to a few Tuatara's and the specialists in breeding these reptiles are trying to increase their existence. Once the ancient reptiles are healthy after birth, some of them are released back into the wild to help the remaining ones to breed on their own.
Growing to about 32 inches in length, the Tuatara has long claws which help the reptile walk across the hard to climb places in its habitat at the Auckland Zoo. Damp, forested areas are a favorite spot for the Tuatara to hide from the warm climate or to escape from all the visitors at the Auckland Zoo.
When visiting the Auckland Zoo on the North Island of New Zealand, be sure to stop at the reptile exhibit and scan the entire habitat to find a Tuatara, a difficult task as they camouflage themselves extremely well.
Tuatara, Sphenodon punctatus, an ancient reptile at the Auckland Zoo, Auckland, North Island, New Zealand.
Picture: "Tuatara Reptile Close Up Picture Auckland Zoo New Zealand"
Photographer: Rolf Hicker Photography
Photo Name: nzk3s10600 - Tuatara Reptile Close Up Picture Auckland Zoo New Zealand
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