Gaps in genetic knowledge affect conservation management of kiwi ( <i>Apteryx</i> ) species

Worldwide, there is growing appreciation of the importance integrating genetic information into conservation management. However, are commonly occurring problems which impact on doing this successfully. This issue well illustrated by kiwi Apteryx species. Like many endangered taxa, extant populations small, fragmented and isolated, raising concerns potential inbreeding depression. Accordingly, includes discussion management translocations. To date, taxa have been subject 41 studies. Here we provide first synthesized review these We conclude that despite impressive study effort, current understanding genetics insufficient to guide management, predict translocation outcomes manage biological diversity achieve future sustainability explain why, outline research questions can be addressed with new genome science technologies. Using technologies build foundation work already undertaken, see a great opportunity address key issues for North Island Brown Kiwi mantelli central threatened Specifically, suggest historical, disjunct, mainland combined translocations offshore islands generated unique case studies investigate effects fragmentation, cessation gene flow, inbreeding, outbreeding hybridization diversity.