Conservation Projects > Tuatara Breeding ProgramTuatara Breeding ProgramWe have now received eight new Tuatara from Wellington Zoo for our breeding program. Two of the new males and two of the new females are animals which had been taken off Stephens Island as adults in 1985. The remaining four hatched in 1987.These Tuatara are in specially constructed facilities off-display which give them exposure to natural sunlight. They are part of a 'breed-for-release' program. The summer of 2007/2008 has proved exciting for the Tuatara Breeding Program with two females laying eggs. One female produced thirteen eggs and the other nine eggs. Five eggs have collapsed indicating that they were infertile.
The remaining seventeen eggs are being incubated by the native section park wardens at a temperature around 20°C. As the sex of tuatara is determined by temperature we are hoping for more females than males. The eggs are due to hatch around the middle of September. Tuatara are very visual reptiles Perspex is being put between the two enclosures so the two males will be able to see each other. This should help to stimulate breeding by encouraging competition between the males. |
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;) Newly laid Tuatara eggs >> enlarge |
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