New Zealand (Commonwealth Union) – One of the world’s most unusual parrots is New Zealand’s kākāpō, a critically endangered bird, which is special on the inside, according to a study by a scientist at Waipapa Taumata Rau (new name recognizing the University’s location in close proximity to the historic waka landing site of Waipapa), University of Auckland.
The kakapo’s gut microbiome has bacteria and other microorganisms impacting health and growth, was found to be unique in comparison to other birds, as claimed by Dr Annie West, of the University’s School of Biological Sciences’ West analyzed samples from 67 chicks in 35 nests for her PhD study that appeared in the Animal Microbiome journal.
There are only 252 kakapo parrots remaining hence all efforts to spare this endangered bird for future generations is a key focus for environmentalists and researchers.
As with humans, the microbiome is a growing area of interest for studies into animal health, having further significance for critically endangered species like the kākāpō. Humans and animals host a wide variety of bacteria and other microorganisms which are often symbiotic.
The study of the microbiome samples, obtained in 2019, verified the kākāpō’s gut microbial community is less diverse than expected for herbivores, with Escherichia coli bacteria which is dominant. The study revealed another unusual finding, where quantities of Escherichia coli vary substantially between each kākāpō. Comparisons for animal microbiomes with close E. coli dominance and individual variation, the closest similarity is seen in China’s giant panda which is a mammal.
“The kākāpō gut microbiome is yet another example of just how unique and quirky these beautiful birds are,” Dr West said.
The study revealed that supplements fed to hand-reared chicks had the possibility of changing their microbiomes, although the impact appeared to be transitory which has led to a revaluation of supplements’ ingredients and the potential impact.
