Eradication of introduced mammals and reintroduction the tuatara Sphenodon punctatus to Motuhora (Whale Island), New Zealand
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Published source details
Towns D. (2005) Eradication of introduced mammals and reintroduction the tuatara Sphenodon punctatus to Motuhora (Whale Island), New Zealand. Conservation Evidence, 2, 92-93.
Published source details Towns D. (2005) Eradication of introduced mammals and reintroduction the tuatara Sphenodon punctatus to Motuhora (Whale Island), New Zealand. Conservation Evidence, 2, 92-93.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Translocate adult or juvenile reptiles: Tuatara Action Link |
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Translocate adult or juvenile reptiles: Tuatara
A study in 1996–2005 on an offshore island in New Zealand (Towns 2005) found that a population of tuatara Sphenodon punctatus translocated to an island where invasive species had been eradicated survived at least nine years and bred. Numbers of tuatara were estimated to be approximately 50 individuals nine years after they were first released. At least two separate clutches of offspring (indicated by several different sized juveniles) were observed on the island. In 1996, thirty-two adult tuatara were translocated to Motuhora (Whale Island; 143 ha). European rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus and black rats Rattus rattus were eradicated from the island using poison bait (Bromadialone, Brodifacoum and 1080 poison) and lethal traps in 1985–1987 (see original paper for details).
(Summarised by: Katie Sainsbury)
