Low genetic variability in small populations of New Zealand kokako Callaeas cinerea wilsoni

The endangered kokako Callaeas cinerea wilsoni (Callaeidae), an endemic for est-dwelling passerine of New Zealand, has declined over the last century t o a number of small isolated populations due to widespread habitat clearanc e and predation by introduced predators. To evaluate the genetic consequenc es of inbreeding and genetic drift, we examined genetic variability within and among 3 of the major remaining kokako populations using 4 polymorphic m icrosatellite loci. The largest remaining kokako population in the Te Urewe ras was shown to have greater variability than the smaller Mapara and Rotoe hu populations. Differentiation among the populations was low to moderate. We suggest there is no genetic barrier to translocations between the popula tions and that translocations of some individuals between the remaining kok ako populations could enhance genetic variability of small populations to l evels found in larger populations (e.g. Te Ureweras). (C) 2000 Elsevier Sci ence Ltd. All rights reserved.