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 monitor ed for 1.5 min every 11 min for 24 h (i.e. 115 x 12.5 min cycles), onc e per week over 13 months (October 1991-October 1992) using a closed c ircuit, low light, video surveillance system. Body length and weight m easurements were taken monthly. Specific, recognisable cycles of annua l and seasonal patterns of activity were recorded. Growth reflected th ese patterns but was also affected by social interaction. Social inter action and environmental factors are known to affect biological functi ons and physical development. The close correlation between surface ac tivity and growth in tuatara are significant and characteristic of the species and can be used to gauge the effectiveness of captive managem ent procedures.