Story: Tuatara

Releasing tuatara

Releasing tuatara

Tuatara were released on Wakaterepapanui Island, Marlborough Sounds, in 2004, to establish a wild population. These individuals were taken as eggs from nearby Stephens Island (Takapourewa), and incubated and hatched at Victoria University as part of a research programme. One interesting research finding is that incubation temperatures influence the sex of hatchlings – cool temperatures produce more females, warmer temperatures more males. They were set free on the island at four to five years old, as part of the island’s ecological restoration after rats were eradicated.

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Victoria University of Wellington
Photograph by Charles Daugherty

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How to cite this page:

Charles Daugherty and Susan Keall, 'Tuatara - Decline and recovery', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/14995/releasing-tuatara (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Charles Daugherty and Susan Keall, published 24 Sep 2007