DOC's work with tuatara
DOC trainee ranger Sue Caldwell with
tuatara
Scientific research is particularly relevant to the conservation of tuatara, and has recently established how changes in incubation temperature of the eggs influences the sex of the hatchlings.
Conservation initiatives focus on keeping existing habitats free of rodents and re-introducing them to new, rodent-free islands.
Captive animals play an important part in conservation, education and research. Animals can be seen at some of these locations such as Southland Museum, Willowbank in Christchurch, Natureland in Nelson, Wellington and Auckland Zoos, and several other institutions.
The Department of Conservation has produced a conservation recovery plan for tuatara and a plan for their captive management.
Contacts
DOC HOTline - 24 hour emergency number
Phone 0800 DOC HOTline (0800 362 468) to report:
Sick or injured wildlife
Whale or dolphin strandings