kākāpō

Recently, the genetic mapping of almost the entire kākāpō population was performed by the researchers.

About the kākāpō:

• Kākāpō is a critically endangered large flightless nocturnal parrot.
• It is also known as the owl parrot.
• It is found only in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• It only breeds every few years, depending on the availability of certain forest foods such as the fruits of the native Rimu trees.
• Threat: It suffer from diseases such as the fungal infection aspergillosis and many of their eggs are infertile.

Significance of the research:

• The genome analysis had provided insights into the genetic reasons behind problems like disease and infertile egg and will aid the birds’ recovery.
• Prioritising care using genomics-based information will also help to identify individual birds for transfers to other sites, and to monitor those with poor growth or high disease risk.

Ref: Source