Under The Microscope

KEEPING WETAS IN CAPTIVITY, by Paul Barrett, ed. G. W. Ramsay; Wellington Zoological Gardens, 1991; 60 pages; $7.50

Although it covers a fairly narrow topic, this is a book for anyone with an interest in New Zealand's natural history. It consists of nine articles written by Paul Barrett, Wellington Zoo's weta keeper. The articles provide a solid basis for anyone interested in raising wetas in captivity, covering the food, shelter and cage environment requirements of different ages and species, and also contain a considerable amount of detail about the behaviour Barrett has observed in the species he's worked with.

Barrett's writing style is quite readable, but, given that the book isn't aimed at a professional audience, a short glossary is needed to explain the technical terms he uses. Unfortunately, the book is severely short-changed by its production values. It would have benefited greatly from a thorough proof-reading and more attention to layout, and could also use an index.

However, the reasonable price and the fascinating content offset these problems to make it a worthwhile buy for its intended audience of "schools and nature-lovers". Further articles and up-dates are planned, and should provide a valuable resource concerning our most unjustly maligned native species.

Phil Anderson, NZSM