tuatara

The Tuatara is sometimes called a living fossil. They are one of the oldest animal on earth and the only of its order. Even though they look like lizards, they are a distinct life form. They have a parietal, “third,” eye, and they are able to hear despite having no ears. The Tuatara, like many native New Zealand animals are threatened by the Polynesian rat and human encroachment on their habitat.