The Conservation Management Implications Of Isolation By Distance And High Genetic Diversity In Great Spotted Kiwi (Apteryx Haastii)

Maintaining genetic diversity and genetic structure in threatened species is recognised as important, but genetic data are frequently missing from management plans. We use a panel of 11 highly polymorphic microsatellites to describe genetic diversity and genetic structure in the Great Spotted Kiwi/Roroa (Apteryx haastii) (GSK). This flightless bird still occupies the majority of its historical range, but its population has become increasingly fragmented due to human activities. Using the most spatially continuous sample set yet collected for this species, we show that extant GSK exhibit high genetic diversity and clear signals of isolation by distance, where there is a strong correlation between genetic similarity and geographic distance between individuals. This suggests that most GSK do not disperse particularly far (15-20 km) and are most likely to settle and mate with close neighbours, promoting fine-scale genetic structuring and high genetic diversity overall. These findings are important for the management of GSK, as current efforts seek to rebuild depleted populations and restore the species back to its full range prior to human arrival in New Zealand. Our data have already been integrated into the GSK recovery plan, informing policy on translocations and other restoration opportunities.