Tuatara poised for return to Nelson wild

Tuatara could soon be released into the wild for the first time in more than 100 years in Whakatū Nelson.

The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary has confirmed that it now has approval from the Department of Conservation to translocate tuatara to the sanctuary - almost a year after they applied for a permit.

Translocation plans are now being developed by sanctuary staff and will involve sourcing a mixture of juvenile and mature tuatara from five or six locations in both the South and North Island.

“This translocation is especially important as it will be the first release of tuatara into the wild in the Nelson region in over 100 years,” sanctuary chief executive Ru Collin says.

“This is a significant cultural milestone for Nelson City, for the region, and for iwi Māori, particularly for Ngāti Koata who act as the national gatekeepers for this iconic species.”

Ngāti Koata will be actively involved and assist with the translocation of the tuatara and Ru says their support has been invaluable.

If all goes according to plan, the tuatara will live in the sanctuary’s mouse-free exclosure, which Ru says has now been free of mice for most of this year.

The only thing they need now to make the translocation happen is the support from the community.

Funding has already been locked in from The Frimley Foundation and the Booster Wine Group who both provided $10,000 to enable the mouse-exclosure fence build.

The City of Nelson Civic Trust has given $2,000 for signage at the Coalmine/tuatara area, and private individuals, who wish to remain anonymous, have donated $5,000 towards the mouse-exclosure fence. The sanctuary has already spent approximately $100k on the mouse-proof fence build, mouse eradication and monitoring within the exclosure, tuatara habitat preparations, a walking track and signage.

In support of the tuatara project, Ru says they also intend to launch a new range of sponsored fence post plaques which will be fixed to the mouse-exclosure fence around the tuatara habitat.

Visitors will have the unique opportunity to observe the tuatara up close and learn about their unique evolutionary history and ecological significance.

“These ancient reptiles, often called living fossils, will add a fascinating dimension to our conservation efforts,” Ru says.

“Our dedicated team has been preparing diligently to ensure that their new habitat is ideally suited to their needs, replicating the conditions of their natural environment as closely as possible.”

“The arrival of the tuatara is a milestone for the sanctuary and a testament to our ongoing commitment to preserving New Zealand’s unique wildlife,” Ru adds.

“We look forward to welcoming these incredible animals and sharing their story with all who come to visit.”

You can donate to the tuatara translocation fund here.