What we know (and don’t) about kiwi genetics

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2021-04-21 14:01

New Zealand

What does this mean?

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After reviewing more than three decades of research, New Zealand scientists say we still don’t know enough about the genetics of our most iconic species in order to develop plans to protect them in the long term. The researchers say while published findings indicate that kiwi differ genetically between areas, there is little understanding of how much they've adapted to different environments, or how much the birds are inbreeding, for example. However, the scientists say studying kiwi with new genetic technologies could help answer some of those questions.