Genetic weakness threatens rare kiwi

The little spotted kiwi population has such low genetic diversity that the whole population could be wiped out if struck by the ‘‘right’’ disease.

A Victoria University study released today has revealed that every one of the smallest kiwi species stems from just five birds who were moved to Kapiti Island in 1912 when fears of its extinction began.

Lead researcher Dr Kristina Ramstad said researchers, who conducted the study with the Department of Conservation, were shocked to find another gene pool moved from D’Urville Island to Long Island in the 1980s had not reproduced.

‘‘Those individuals from D’Urville didn’t leave any offspring as far as we can tell.’’

It was unexpected considering being in the predator-free environment.

‘‘We know now that wasn’t enough, they didn’t reproduce.’’

While the reason for the reproductive failure on D’Urville was unknown, the founders may have been infertile or past reproductive age when translocated.

The little spotted kiwi was the only of five kiwi species not considered endangered, but its low and continual erosion of genetic diversity meant it now faced other risks.

‘‘Every living little spotted kiwi, we now know from this study, originated from at most, five birds put on Kapiti in 1912.’’

There were now 1200 birds on the island, and all the nation's little spotted kiwi originated from the same founders.

Continued