In a groundbreaking move to protect the critically endangered kakapo, a unique parrot species native to New Zealand, scientists have sequenced the genomes of nearly all of the remaining individuals. This significant scientific effort offers invaluable insights into the genetic makeup of this intriguing bird, providing crucial data for conservation management. The kakapo, known scientifically as Strigops habroptila, is notable for several unique traits, including being the heaviest and potentially longest-lived parrot species in the world, and the only one that cannot fly.
Historically, these green-feathered birds were abundant throughout New Zealand, but the introduction of predatory species like cats and rats caused a drastic decline in their population. Today, only around 250 kakapos remain, carefully managed by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation and Maori groups on five predator-free islands. The small population size presents a unique challenge in preventing inbreeding, a significant concern for the species’ survival and adaptability to future threats. To overcome this, kakapos are often relocated to different islands to encourage genetic diversity. However, until recently, determining which birds to move was largely a guessing game.
Genomic Blueprint of Endangered Kakapo Parrots Unveiled for Conservation
New Zealand’s critically endangered kakapo parrot is receiving a much-needed lifeline, thanks to the efforts of a group of scientists. These researchers have sequenced the genomes of nearly all the kakapo individuals left, providing vital information for their conservation management.
Special Traits and Threats to the Kakapo
The kakapo, scientifically known as Strigops habroptila, is a unique parrot species. It’s the heaviest parrot in the world, with some males exceeding 3 kilograms. It’s also believed to have the longest lifespan of up to 90 years. This green-coloured bird is the only parrot species that can’t fly. Instead, it climbs trees or forages on the ground for food like nuts and seeds.
Once widespread across New Zealand, the kakapo population has been nearly wiped out by introduced predators like cats and rats. Currently, only about 250 individuals remain. These are managed by the New Zealand’s Department of Conservation in partnership with Maori groups on five predator-free islands.
Sequencing Genomes to Prevent Inbreeding
The small population size of the kakapo makes it challenging to prevent inbreeding. To increase the genetic diversity, which is crucial for the bird’s adaptation to future threats, individual kakapos are often moved to different islands. However, determining which individuals to relocate has been a daunting task until recently.
Joseph Guhlin and Peter Dearden from the University of Otago in New Zealand and their colleagues have sequenced the whole genomes of around 90 per cent of the kakapos alive today. The Department of Conservation is now utilizing this information to decide which individuals to move based on their genetic relatedness.
Sequencing Genomes for Strategic Conservation Decisions
The sequenced genomes are also being used for strategic conservation decisions. Four individuals were recently reintroduced to New Zealand’s North Island after an absence of over 50 years. These birds were picked because they had fairly standard genomes, meaning they weren’t carrying rare genetic variations.
The whole genome sequencing has also allowed the researchers to identify certain genetic variants associated with fitness traits like egg laying, chick growth rates, and disease susceptibility. This information will be potentially used to identify individuals with higher "genetic merit" for strategic mate-pairings in the future, or to identify vulnerable individuals that require greater care.
A Blueprint for Other Endangered Species
This pioneering work in kakapo conservation could serve as a blueprint for other critically endangered species. As the cost of sequencing comes down, the conservation of other species may be improved by sequencing the genomes of all individuals within their populations, says Guhlin.
My Takeaways
This research underscores the potential of genomic science in conservation management. The ability to understand the genetic makeup of endangered species could greatly enhance efforts to increase their population and protect them from extinction. This could indeed serve as a blueprint for the conservation of other endangered species. It’s inspiring to see science and technology being actively used to safeguard our planet’s biodiversity.
