Minisatellite DNA profiling detects lineages and parentage in the endangered kakapo (Strigops habroptilus) despite low microsatellite DNA variation

Abstract

An important goal of the conservation management program of the critically endangered ground parrot, the New Zealand kakapo (Strigops habroptilus) is the determination of parentage and levels of genetic diversity within the remaining population. Our previous microsatellite DNA studies have shown that all individuals of this species except one are homozygous at seven loci examined. In contrast, we now show that a minisatellite DNA analysis of kakapo provides sufficient variation to conduct paternity analyses and detect heterogeneity within the 86 living kakapo. The sole remaining Fiordland kakapo, Richard Henry, is shown to be genetically divergent from individuals originating from the only other remaining population on Stewart Island, suggesting that two lineages of kakapo are present in the extant population. This has particular significance for the conservation management goal of maintenance of the maximum genetic diversity in the species as a whole. The example of the kakapo illustrates that minisatellite DNA markers can be useful in cases where microsatellite DNA fails to show sufficient variation.