<p>The two recognized species of tuatara (<span class="taxon"><em>Sphenodon punctatus</em></span> and <span class="taxon"><em>Sphenodon guntheri</em></span>) are found on approximately 30 small, relatively inaccesible, islands off the coast of New Zealand. The species was once widely distributed throughout New Zealand, but became extinct on the mainland before the arrival of European settlers.</p>  <p><strong>Biogeographic Regions: </strong>Australian; Australian :: Native</p>