“What we're doing is a little bit different, we're going to be sequencing individual chromosomes, so we're narrowing it down,” she said.
There is growing evidence differences in DNA structure play an important role in determining other reproductive traits in birds, she said.
“Our research will use new and established techniques to explore the genetic basis of early hatching failure in kākāpō.
“We believe this knowledge will transform the way we manage endangered species.”
Bruce Mercer/Stuff
Sirocco the kākāpō at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari in Hamilton.
The kākāpō is one of the rarest parrots in the world. It is also the only lek-breeding parrot, meaning males put on a display to attract female attention but do not help to raise any offspring.