Tuatara are the only living members left of the Rhynchocophalian order. All other members became extinct around 65 millions years ago so are also referred to by scientists as "living fossils". Tuatara are among New Zealand’s most famous animals, second only to kiwi. They are representative of ancient, endemic life forms. Tuatara are of great cultural significance to Māori, and feature in some creation stories. Some iwi (tribes) view tuatara as the kaitiaki (guardians) of knowledge.
