Induction of oviposition produces smaller eggs in tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus)

摘要: Abstract Induction of oviposition by injection hormones has been used successfully to collect eggs from at least three orders reptiles. Eggs tuatara (Sphenodon spp.) have collected induction since 1985. We investigate whether inducing egg laying affects clutch size, mass, hatching success, or hatchling and describe considerations necessary when deciding induce nests. Altogether, 320 (S. punctatus) were for incubation Stephens Island in November 1998: 166 154 Induced (mean = 4.498 g ± 0.060 SE) significantly smaller than naturally laid within a few days 5.375 0.070 SE). resulted hatchlings following captivity, the difference was still significant 10 months old. Reduced size consequences long‐term fitness.