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Which islands near New Zealand have tuatara populations?
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tuatara
The species is the sole living member of the reptile order Rhynchocephalia.
The tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) is a reptile endemic to New Zealand. While they once inhabited the main islands, their populations are now primarily confined to outlying areas due to the introduction of predators like the Polynesian rat.
Current tuatara populations are found on:
- Approximately 30 islets located off the northeast coast of the North Island.
- A handful of islets situated in the Cook Strait.