New Zealand’s quirky and endangered kakapo are making their way back to the mainland for the first time in almost 40 years. Kakapos are heaviest parrot in the world, some weigh over 6 pounds and have a lifespan of up to 90 years. Like penguins and ostriches, they cannot fly, so kakapo climb trees and look for nuts and seeds on the ground.
[Related: A flightless parrot is returning to mainland New Zealand after a 40-year absence.]
The large, green, nocturnal bird was once widespread throughout New Zealand. hunted to near extinction and threatened by non-native predators like cats and dogs. popular science The magazine says these ‘curious’ green birds are already ‘doomed to premature extinction’ long ago. April 1895.
The remaining approximately 250 birds have been donated to New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DOC) and Gaitahu of the South Island On 5 predator-free islands. Genetic science in the 21st century, the research platform is ready Genomics Aotearoa is funding high-quality genetic sequencing of nearly the entire Kakapo population. The results of early research into how these complete genome sequences could help manage the health of these iconic birds Published in the magazine on August 28 natural ecology and evolution.
Establishment of gene sequencing methods is expected to contribute not only to the survival of kakapo, but also to the survival of other endangered species in New Zealand and around the world. Preserved genomics It is part of a growing trend in this sector. 2019A team from San Diego and the University of Hawaii used advanced DNA sequencing techniques to create a near-complete genome assembly of Hawaii’s only remaining corvid lineage. “Alara (Crow hawaiensis). This sequencing allowed conservationists to Disease susceptibility, population-level diversity, and genetic burden To better inform Alara’s policies.
The same information can help Kakapo thrive.this last year’s work It yielded two very important achievements. First, it gave the team a deep understanding of: Kakapo biology. It also generated high-quality code and a reusable pipeline, allowing other researchers to rapidly use these techniques in their own research, helping advance New Zealand’s genomics capabilities. .
“Kakapo suffer from disease and reduced fertility, so understanding the genetic reasons for these problems can help alleviate them,” said Andrew, DOC Scientific Advisor on Kakapo Recovery. Digby said. said in a statement. “This will allow us to predict growth and disease susceptibility of kakapo chicks, which will change management practices in the field and improve survival rates.”
[Related: Eavesdropping on pink river dolphins could help save them.]
Divie added: Kakapo 125+ Project This is another example of how genetic data can help population growth. The 125 refer to the number of kakapo that were present when the project began in 2015. “The new genetic and machine learning tools developed can be applied to improve the productivity and survival of other taonga under conservation management,” Digby said.
The sequencing technology, developed by University of Otago microbiologist Joseph Green and an international team of researchers, could have implications beyond New Zealand.
“Using technology developed by Google, we have achieved the highest quality variant datasets for probably every threatened species in the world.” Green said.. “This dataset will be made available to future researchers studying kakapo through the DOC and Ngai Tahu.”
