USE OF ANNUAL GROWTH AND ACTIVITY PATTERNS TO ASSESS MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES FOR CAPTIVE TUATARA (SPHENODON-PUNCTATUS)

Surface activity of two captive 4 year old female tuatara were monitored for 1.5 min every 11 min for 24 h (i.e. 115 x 12.5 min cycles), once per week over 13 months (October 1991-October 1992) using a closed circuit, low light, video surveillance system. Body length and weight measurements were taken monthly. Specific, recognisable cycles of annual and seasonal patterns of activity were recorded. Growth reflected these patterns but was also affected by social interaction. Social interaction and environmental factors are known to affect biological functions and physical development. The close correlation between surface activity and growth in tuatara are significant and characteristic of the species and can be used to gauge the effectiveness of captive management procedures.