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Conservation and genetics of New Zealand parakeets

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 May 2010

S. J. Triggs  and
C. H. Daugherty
S. J. Triggs
Affiliation:
Science and Research Division, Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 10–420, Wellington, Zealand. Current address (but for reprints or correspondence, refer to Daugherty): Strategic Assessment Group, Ministry of Justice, P.O. Box 180, Wellington, New Zealand
C. H. Daugherty
Affiliation:
School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University, P.O. Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
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Recent genetic analysis of New Zealand Cyanoramphus parakeets has direct implications for conservation management. A subspecies of Yellow-crowned Parakeet, Forbes's Parakeet C. auriceps forbesi, is genetically distinct from mainland Yellow-crowned Parakeets C. a. auriceps and should be elevated to species status. Even amongst mainland populations of Yellow-crowned Parakeets there was extensive genetic diversity. Interspecific hybridization is a major concern of Cyanoramphus conservation. The near-extinction of Forbes's Parakeets by genetic swamping through hybridization with Chatham Islands Red-crowned Parakeets C. novaezelandiae chathamensis has been averted by active management, involving culling of hybrid and Red-crowned Parakeets and habitat enhancement. Despite two decades of hybridization between these species a distinct Forbes genetic type still exists, probably due to a tendency for hybrids to backcross with Red-crowned Parakeets. Hybridization between Cyanoramphus species may also be a problem in other highly modified habitats, such as parts of the Auckland Islands. More information is needed to determine the extent of this problem. Captive populations include a significant proportion of interspecific hybrids and therefore should not be used as founder stock for releases into the wild, as has been done in the past. The Orange-fronted Parakeet should be reinstated as a separate species, Cyanoramphus malherbi, rather than a colour morph of Yellow-crowned Parakeet, at least until conclusive evidence is available to resolve the question of its taxonomic status. The conservation of this very rare species (and indeed all species of Cyanoramphus)- has been severely handicapped by lack of scientific information on which to base management decisions.

Type
Research Article
Information
Bird Conservation International , Volume 6 , Issue 1 , March 1996 , pp. 89 - 101
Copyright
Copyright © Birdlife International 1996

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