Why does new zealand have native reptiles like lizards and geckos but no native snakes?

Question

Why does new zealand have native reptiles like lizards and geckos but no native snakes?

In: Biology

Answer 1

New zealand became an island before snakes existed so there was no way for snakes to get there. Sea snakes exist and can be sometimes seen around new zealand but they’re not settling on land. I lizards existed before snakes and existed in what is modern day new zealand before it became an island.