Researchers at Victoria University of Wellington keep tuatara in enclosures, in semi-natural conditions, for up to five years after they hatch. Safe from predators, these juveniles have a higher survival rate than hatchlings in the wild. They will eventually return to their home island, or will be used to populate new islands.
Listen to zoologist Charles Daugherty talk about the university’s captive breeding programme.
Sound file from Radio New Zealand Sound Archives Ngā Taonga Kōrero. Any re-use of this audio is a breach of copyright. To request a copy of the recording, contact Sound Archives Ngā Taonga Kōrero (Tuatara breeding for conservation/Reference number C891127D)
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Victoria University of Wellington
Photograph by Susan Keall
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