Indigenous knowledge helps reveal genomic story of South Island kōura

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2022-03-25 10:20

New Zealand

Credit:Ashley Overbeek

Analysing genetic data from southern freshwater kōura (crayfish), a team of Aotearoa NZ-based Indigenous and other researchers and practitioners show how place-based knowledge can shed crucial light on genetic or genomic data derived from culturally-significant species. The team found a strong population genetic structure and some mixing of genetic lineages in 19 kōura populations along the South Island's east coast. Climate and water flow regimes also helped shape local adaptation. The authors say trusted partnerships enabled respectful sample collection, important context for data interpretation, and reconnecting people and place. They say their experiences also highlighted the importance of prioritising relationships over conventional academic timelines, especially when co-developing genomic research for widely distributed species

Media release

From:

Author summary: from Dr Aisling Rayne and Associate Professor Tammy Steeves, University of Canterbury:

‘Weaving place-based knowledge for culturally significant species in the age of genomics: Looking to the past to navigate the future’

"Our diverse relationships with place are critical to understanding biodiversity’s past, present and future. Yet, genetic studies are rarely informed by Indigenous or local knowledge and practices, including the movement of culturally significant plants and animals. In a recent study, researchers and practitioners weave genetic data and oral narrative for southern freshwater kōura (crayfish) in Aotearoa me Te Waipounamu (New Zealand). Our work demonstrates how trusted partnerships have enabled respectful sample collection, shared invaluable context for the interpretation of data, and provided opportunities to reconnect people and place. We look forward to seeing diverse Indigenous and local worldviews, expertise, and aspirations centred in future research for culturally significant species."

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Research Wiley, Web page

Journal/
conference: Evolutionary Applications

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: University of Canterbury, Te Rūnaka o Awarua (Bluff), Waterscape Connections Ltd, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, KEEWAI (Ernslaw One Ltd), Tea Break Bioinformatics Ltd, Hokonui Rūnanga (Gore), University of Otago, Environment Canterbury, The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited

Funder: This work was funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (New Zealand's Biological Heritage National Science Challenge, C09X1501) *http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100003524, ‘Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment' (awarded to TES), the UC Roper Scholarship in Science (awarded to AR), a Bioheritage COVID extension scholarship (awarded to AR), and the Royal Society of New Zealand (RDF 14-LCR-001, awarded to PMW).

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