New ZealandAt just Up to 1.5 kg, the Tuatara is one of the lightest carnivore reptiles (#11 of 11). Found in New Zealand, it inhabits islands, coastal areas habitats.
Physical Characteristics & Habitat
Size & Speed
| Metric | Tuatara | Carnivore Reptiles Median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1.5 kg | 90 kg | ↓ 98% |
| Height | 80 cm | — | — |
| Avg Speed | 0.0 km/h | — | — |
Habitat & Distribution
The Tuatara inhabits islands, coastal areas habitats. It can be found in New Zealand.
Typical coloring: Grayish-brown.
Diet & Predators
Behavior & Reproduction
Social Structure
The Tuatara is a solitary species belonging to the Rhynchocephalia family.
Reproduction
Conservation & Comparison
IUCN Conservation Status
VU The Tuatara is classified as Vulnerable. There are 34 species with the same status in our database.
Species Comparison
Among 11 carnivore reptiles, the Tuatara’s weight of Up to 1.5 kg is significantly lower than the group median of 90 kg.
Weight rank: #31 of 34 Vulnerable species.
| # | Species | Weight | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sperm Whale | Up to 57000 kg | VU |
| 2 | African Elephant | 2700–6000 kg | VU |
| 3 | Great White Shark | Up to 2268 kg | VU |
| 4 | Hippopotamus | 1300–3200 kg | VU |
| 5 | Gaur | 600–1300 kg | VU |
Related Species
How much does a Tuatara weigh?
A Tuatara typically weighs Up to 1.5 kg, which is exceptionally low compared to the median of 90 kg among carnivore reptiles.
What is the conservation status of the Tuatara?
The Tuatara is classified as “Vulnerable”. There are 34 species with the same status in our database.
Where does the Tuatara live?
The Tuatara is found in New Zealand, in islands, coastal areas habitats.
How does the Tuatara reproduce?
The Tuatara has a gestation period of 12–15 days and typically produces Up to 16 offspring per birth.
Data Sources: IUCN, WWF, National Geographic, Smithsonian Institution.
Last Updated: April 10, 2026