Page 80 - BBC Wildlife - August 2017 UK

KAKAPO

Genome mapping and DNA analysis are being used to
save animal and plant species around the world.
DELVING INTO DNA:
HIGH-TECH CONSERVATON

ASH TREE
In Europe,ash trees are under threat from the fungal
disease ash dieback,and from an invasive beetle called
the emerald ash borer.At the Royal Botanic Gardens,
Kew,scientists are analysing the genomes of ash trees,
searching for genes that confer resistance.The data will
be used to help breed disease-resistant trees.

GENOMIC ZOOS
Scientists aim to decode the genomes of vast numbers of
animal species to create enormous digital genomic zoos.
The international Genome 10K Project seeks to decode Above: Sinbad he says. With so few kakapo in existence, decoding the
the genomes of at least one member of 10,000 vertebrate during breeding genomes of all living birds was a realistic prospect.
species,while the B10K Project plans to decode those of season. Males So, in 2016, the Kakapo-125 Project was born, named
‘boom’repetitively
all living bird species.The work will help save endangered after the number of birds alive when the initiative began.
at night to attract
animals – and shed light on evolution. females.Top left: When I catch up with Digby, fresh from his Anchor
Bruce Robertson Island trip to collect DNA samples, he tells me the project
PLANTAND FUNGALTREES OF LIFE analyses kakapo should be complete well before the next breeding season,
DNA ana ys s: Stephen Belcher; Sinbad: Tui De Roy; condor: John Cancalosi/Alamy
genetic data in
Although many plant genomes have been decoded so the information can be put to good use.
a laboratory.
already,many species are as-yet unmapped.Kew’s Plant Moreover, plans are afoot to decode the DNA of 55 dead
and FungalTrees of Life programme aims to finish the job kakapo. Nicholas Dussex, from the Swedish Museum of
by analysing the DNAof a representative of each genus of Natural History, and Bruce Roberston are deciphering the
plant and fungus.It will help researchers understand how genomes of museum birds dating back to the late 1800s,
the world’s plants and fungi are related to each other. so they can work out exactly how much genetic diversity
has been lost since then. This information will also be
BARCODE UK factored into conservation work.
Sometimes,carefully chosen snippets of DNAcan be The Kakapo-125 Project marks the start of a new exciting
used to identify a species.At the National Botanic Garden era in conservation. With genome sequencing – the
ofWales,scientists have catalogued these DNA‘barcodes’ technique used to decode the DNA – becoming cheaper
for 1,479 of the UK’s native flowering plants.The resource and faster, the idea could be rolled out to other Critically
enables people to identify a species from Endangered species. Sequencing entire populations
a tiny fragment and is now being used to of animals could provide conservationists with critical
support research into pollination. information to inform their recovery efforts. “I think it will
take genetic management to the next level,” says Digby.
CALIFORNIA CONDOR “It could have a major impact on conservation.”
This huge scavenger (left) has been When the final genome is decoded, the kakapo will
extinct in the wild since 1982,when make history. In the meantime, these portly parrots
every remaining bird was taken into scrump for fruit at night, snooze their days away and
captivity.Concerns over inbreeding led + FIND OUT MORE have no idea how incredibly special they are.
scientists to sequence the genomes of Kakapo Recovery
36 birds,and they now use this detailed project www. HELEN PILCHER is author of Bring Back the King:
genetic map to match potential mates. kakaporecovery. The New Science of De-extinction (Bloomsbury
org.nz
Sigma) and is a speaker at Rutland Birdfair (see p59).
August 2017