Why is the tuatara endangered?

The main reason why the tuatara is endangered is the threat caused by introduced predators. The kiore (Polynesian rat) is responsible for the decreasing tuatara population, as are the two species of rats introduced by Europeans, while cats, dogs, stoats and ferrets have also contributed to the tuatara's decline.

On the mainland, deforestation has resulted in habitat loss, which has meant less food and safe shelter for the tuatara.

The tuatara's own breeding cycle and slow growth rate makes this reptile one of its own worst enemies. Tuatara only breed every second year and they are long-lived, meant they do not begin reproducing until they are 15-18 years old. They cannot reproduce quickly enough to compensate for their numbers being reduced by predators.