# Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Status for Brother's Island Tuatara
> **US Fish and Wildlife Service** · Final Rule. · Published 1998-01-07 · Effective 1998-02-06 · 63 FR 692
## Document
- **Document number:** 98-246
- **Category:** endangered-species
- **Sub-agency:** US Fish and Wildlife Service
- **Federal Register citation:** 63 FR 692
- **CFR reference:** 50 CFR 17
- **Publication date:** 1998-01-07
- **Effective date:** 1998-02-06
## Abstract

The Service determines endangered status for the Brother's Island tuatara (Sphenodon guntheri), a reptile of New Zealand. Although already legally covered by an endangered classification, this species previously was considered part of the related and more widespread tuatara, Sphenodon punctatus. Both species are threatened by various factors, especially predation from introduced rats. This rule continues the protection of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), for the Brother's Island tuatara.

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/1998/01/07/98-246/endangered-and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-endangered-status-for-brothers-island-tuatara)
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