Research Press Release
Kakapo Genome Sequencing Provides Critical Insights for Conservation Efforts
Nature Ecology and Evolution
August 29, 2023
The kakapo (Strigops habroptilus), a flightless parrot native to Aotearoa (New Zealand), has long been classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. However, a groundbreaking study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution presents a ray of hope for the species. The research, which involved sequencing the whole genome of individual kakapos, aims to inform future management and conservation plans for these unique birds.
Once thriving across Aotearoa, kakapos were decimated by the arrival of humans and the introduction of invasive predatory mammals. By 1995, only 51 individuals remained. Recognizing the urgent need for action, the Kākāpō Recovery Programme, in collaboration with Ngāi Tahu of the Te Waipounamu, embarked on an intensive campaign to save the kakapos. Through strategic measures such as establishing predator-free islands and utilizing genealogical information, the kakapo population has made a remarkable recovery, with 252 individuals as of August 2022. The current study delves into the genetic diversity within these populations, offering valuable insights for future conservation efforts.
Led by Peter Dearden and his team, the research involved analyzing the whole genome sequences of 169 surviving kakapos and preserved specimens. This comprehensive dataset provided crucial information on the morphology, reproduction, behavior, and health status of each individual, allowing for a detailed assessment of the kakapo regeneration plan. Applying advanced statistical methods, Dearden et al. estimated the genomic diversity and identified DNA bases associated with key fitness traits, including embryonic survival, juvenile growth rate, and susceptibility to infectious diseases. These findings offer a robust assessment of the evolutionary potential of the kakapo populations, enabling the identification of individuals with high genetic value for breeding and migration, as well as targeting those susceptible to potential diseases.
The research team emphasizes that the insights gained from the kakapo genome sequencing can be applied to the conservation of other endangered species. They advocate for the utilization of genomic resources as valuable tools for managing small populations and protecting biodiversity.
To access the full study, please refer to the article published in Nature Ecology and Evolution. (doi:10.1038/s41559-023-02165-y).
“Highlights of Interest in Nature” is a translated version of a press release produced by Nature’s public affairs department. For more precise information, please consult the original article.
Return to the “Highlights of Interest” article list.
Research Press Release
Nature Ecology and Evolution
August 29, 2023
Populations of the kakapo (Strigops habroptilus), a flightless parrot native to Aotearoa (New Zealand) and classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Paper reporting genome sequence whole individual close to the total of theNature Ecology and Evolutionwill be published in These data will help inform future Kakapo management and conservation plans.
Kakapo were once common across Aotearoa, but the arrival of humans and the introduction of invasive predatory mammals decimated the population, with only 51 remaining in 1995. It became winged. In response, the Kākāpō Recovery Programme, working with Ngāi Tahu of the Te Waipounamu (South Island), began intensive management of the kakapo. Through measures such as hiding on predator-free islands and moving based on genealogical information, the kakapo population has increased to 252 (as of August 2022). Elucidating genetic diversity within populations will be useful for future conservation efforts.
In this study, Peter Dearden and his colleagues analyzed the whole genome sequences of 169 kakapo survivors and preserved specimens, and used this data to provide information on the morphology, reproduction, behavior and health status of each individual (monitoring the activities of the kakapo regeneration plan).(collected as part of the Statistical methods are applied to these data to estimate the genomic diversity of populations and DNA bases associated with important fitness traits such as embryonic survival, juvenile growth rate, and susceptibility to infectious diseases. Dearden et al suggest that this population-scale genomic resource will allow a robust assessment of the evolutionary potential of populations.The findings will also make it possible to identify specific kakapo individuals with high genetic value for breeding and migration, and pre-emptively targeting individuals expected to be susceptible to potential disease.
According to Dearden et al. that their findings show that genomic resources can provide useful information for the conservation of small populations and create a statistical tool that could help manage other endangered species.
doi:10.1038/s41559-023-02165-y
“Highlights of Interest in Nature” is a translated version of a press release produced by Nature’s public affairs department. If you need more precise information, be sure to refer to the original article.
Return to the “Highlights of interest” article list.
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