Faster sexing means better breeding Takahē
2025-07-17
The method of PCR has many wonderful uses and our work with the Department of Conservation (DOC) definitely falls into that ‘wonderful’ category.
Our involvement with DOC started back in 2018 when we were part of the research consortium involved with the aspergillus outbreak in Kakapō. Conversations about the use of PCR in conservation continued until one day, we were asked, “Is it possible to sex chicks, before maturity, with PCR? That would be a game changer if we could do that in the field”.
Our answer was “yes….. in theory”. There were a few challenges to overcome (aside from developing a unique PCR test for different bird species) but the biggest challenge was being to take the test to the Takahē rather than taking the Takahē to the test …. Well, to the testing lab!
The goal was to be able to develop a methodology where DOC scientists could take an appropriate sample from the bird and then extract the DNA on-site fast and with a minimum of equipment. They would then be able to take the DNA sample back to their hut (or wherever they were with a power source was) and run the PCR test on their Mic qPCR machine.
Because DOC were in isolated locations, this meant the extraction had to be achieved without the kits and equipment typically used in the lab. The sampling also had to be easy for the DOC scientists to use, as well as being gentle for our very special birds.
A new DNA test was developed to differentiate the sex of the birds, with the test employing an automated algorithm to call the birds male or female once the test had finished
After refining the methodologies in our lab (and with the arrival of DOC’s small Mic qPCR machine), we successfully trialled the test in the field early this year and trained the Takahē Recovery team. The extraction method uses a rapid extraction buffer (that we had already developed in our lab) for faster, cost effective DNA extractions and a toothpick. And, the extraction process went from 30 minutes to 30 seconds. We kid you not!
The DOC team can now sex test up to 46 Takahē in the field in an hour (previously sending samples back to the mainland and waiting weeks). This helps them efficiently manage the population as well as reducing transfer times for the birds.
The next stage in our work will focus on the 2026 Kakapō breeding season (which is looking like the biggest mast season yet), where the chicks will be tested at a very young age using a small bill swab. These results will tell DOC which chicks need to be hand reared (males) and which chicks should be left on the nest (females).
Our team are so proud to be part of this worthwhile work and to use PCR in the conservation and management of these taonga.
