NZ scientists save endangered parrot through genome sequencing

WELLINGTON - New Zealand scientists have tried to save kakapo, a nocturnal, flightless, critically endangered New Zealand parrot, through genome sequencing, reported Xinhua.

Scientists have sequenced the genomes of 169 kakapos, which were nearly all of the individuals that were alive when the researchers started the work in 2018, according to a study published Tuesday in the international journal Nature Ecology and Evolution.

High-quality sequencing of nearly the entire kakapo population, funded through the University of Otago's Genomics Aotearoa project, is helping New Zealand to manage the health of this critically endangered species.

By diving deep into the bird's DNA, scientists can now better predict the culprits behind their dwindling numbers, such as genetic vulnerabilities to diseases or reproductive issues, the study showed.

The researchers said the cutting-edge techniques can also serve as a conservation blueprint for other endangered species. - BERNAMA