Kākāpō molecular genetics
09 Apr, 2009
DNA fingerprinting is being used to identify individual kākāpō and their family relationships on Stewart Island.
Listen to audio: Kākāpō molecular genetics
Duration: 12:44
The age and relationships of the original kākāpō population on Stewart Island were largely unknown until recently. Markers used for genetic identification of other parrots didn’t work for kākāpō. Molecular geneticist Bruce Robertson, from the University of Otago, has worked out solutions to this problem. He is using DNA fingerprinting and genetic markers to work out familial relationships between kākāpō. These findings are important for the future of the kākāpō recovery programme.
Programme details: Our Changing World
Metadata
- Published:
- 24 August 2009
