CSIRO researchers first genome of night parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis)one of the rarest and most elusive birds in the world.
The night parrot is a relatively small, short-tailed parrot species endemic to Australia.
This species is also known as the porcupine parrot, nocturnal ground parakeet, midnight parrot, solitaire, spinifex parrot, and nocturnal parakeet. first explained It was published in 1861 by British ornithologist John Gould.
The night parrot is one of the most elusive and mysterious birds in the world, with no confirmed sightings from 1912 to 1979.
They were once widespread in the arid regions of Australia, but their numbers have declined due to environmental changes such as predation by cats and foxes.
It is now known only from localized areas in south-west Queensland and Western Australia.
“Dozens of scientific specimens were collected in the 19th century, with one specimen collected in 1912. A specimen was then discovered in south-west Queensland in 1990,” says the CSIRO Australian National Wildlife Collection. said Dr. Leo Joseph, Director.
“A live bird was reported from the same area in 2013, and a live parrot was finally captured and tagged in 2015.”
“This genome will allow us to explore the genetic basis of why parrots are nocturnal, a trait that is very rare in parrots,” he added.
“We investigate functions such as navigation, sense of smell, beak shape, and suboptimal night vision.”
“Researchers will also be able to perform statistical analysis of this individual's genome to estimate the historical population size of Australia's night parrot.”
“We can now compare this annotated genome with other closely related parrot species, revealing the reasons behind its rarity and limited distribution compared to many closely related species. You can.”
Dr Joseph and his colleagues sequenced the armyworm genome using tissue obtained from specimens found in the Pilbara region.
“Access to high-throughput sequencing technology through CSIRO's Applied Genomics Initiative is accelerating genomics research in Australia,” said Dr Gunjun Pandey, CSIRO Environment Directorate Night Parrot Genomics Project Leader.
“We can now generate very high-quality genomes from very small tissue samples, as small as an ant's head or a single mosquito.”
“This level of quality and detail was not possible even five years ago.”
“Genetic data can be used to maximize diversity in conservation programs, so species are resilient and have the best chance of long-term survival.”
The night parrot genome is an exciting scientific resource for understanding more about this bird, but protecting this species from cats, foxes, fire, and habitat loss is also important for its conservation.
“The night parrot genome will open up many opportunities for further research that will help protect this species,” Dr. Pandey said.
“This will allow scientists to develop a plan to save the night parrot, with the ultimate goal of sequencing and publishing the genome.”
Source: www.sci.news
