The extant (living) reptiles of New Zealand consist of numerous species of terrestrial lizards and the lizard-like tuatara, and several species of sea turtles and sea snakes. [1] All but one species are native to New Zealand, and all but one of the terrestrial species are endemic to New Zealand, that is, they are not found in any other country. Many species of foreign reptiles enter New Zealand through accidental importation or smuggling, [2] but only the Australian native Lampropholis delicata (rainbow skink or plague skink) has become established in the wild, [1] [2] and it is considered an invasive pest. [3]
Long-extinct taxa include numerous dinosaurs and other Mesozoic reptiles that are known from fossils found in New Zealand.
Modern taxa
Extinct ancient taxa
Long-extinct taxa include numerous dinosaurs and other Mesozoic reptiles that are known from fossils found in New Zealand. The New Zealand mosasaur, named Moanasaurus , was one of the largest mosasaurs in the world. The New Zealand plesiosaur is named Mauisaurus .