Gene Flow to the Rescue!
developing an analytical framework for estimating impacts of genetic augmentation on wildlife population dynamics
with The Marsden Fund Fast-Start (MAU2203)
The why!
TCG’s Senior Ecologist, Dr Elizabeth (Liz) Parlato, shares her time between our offices and the Zoology and Ecology department at Massey University, where she’s completing world-leading research into how to improve methods for estimating and predicting the dynamics of threatened wildlife populations.
In 2022, Liz received Marsden grant funding to develop population modelling methods that will predict the outcomes of genetic rescue attempts. Many threatened wildlife populations lack genetic diversity, putting them at greater risk of extinction. Genetic rescue introduces new, genetically distinct individuals into at-risk populations to improve survival and reproduction rates. Although the theory of this is well understood and researched, the effectiveness of such rescue programmes are not. Liz and her colleagues have set out to conclusively answer the question, “Can wildlife populations be genetically rescued’?
The how?
Liz’s research involves extending cutting-edge population modelling methods to analyse data from a number of historic genetic rescue attempts in Aotearoa (for hihi, kōkako and karure | kakaruia | Chatham Island black robin). By understanding the key drivers and effects of these interventions on survival, reproduction and population growth, her research will identify what factors influence genetic rescue success stories and therefore predict when such interventions are likely to be an effective conservation strategy.
This will be a fantastic tool to add to the conservation managers’ and decision makers’ toolkit to help direct limited resources into genetic augmentation projects most likely to help recover threatened wildlife populations.
Robins’ return…
Says Liz, “My love of robins began over 25 years ago when I was offered the amazing opportunity to be involved with one of the first mainland robin reintroductions for my Masters project. Spending hours in the bush watching these inquisitive wee birds in their new habitat was one of the best times of my life.”
Liz continues to assist in projects, like this 2024 translocation of toutouwai (New Zealand Robins) from Bushy Park Tarapuruhi to Turitea Reserve featured below, in a volunteer capacity:
Robins Return Video Credit: Palmerston North City Council
Engagement with tangata whenua / tchakat henu and community is a very important part of Liz’s research on black robins. In October 2023, Liz and her colleagues travelled to Rēkohu / Wharekauri / Chatham Island for engagement and outreach about their research (pictured below). They visited Hokotehi Moriori Trust, Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri Trust, Kaingaroa School and Te One School. They also held a community day where members of the community were welcomed to come along and participate in interactive activities relating to the project. Liz is planning another outreach trip in 2025 to keep up these important connections.
Liz at a Chatham Islands community event with a transfer box - October 2023
Black Robin (image: Kevin Parker)
Liz helping plant at a Chatham Island restoration site - October 2023
Thoughts from Liz’s colleagues
“I feel very fortunate to have such a high calibre scientist, Dr Liz Parlato, as part of the karure/kakaruia/Chatham Island black robin team providing advice for conservation management of this critically threatened species. Liz’s modelling skills are recognised internationally and have been used in making important contributions to the development of management strategies. She excels in communication, explaining technical concepts and models in a way that is clear for the layperson to understand. I have appreciated her friendly and adaptable approach in the face of ever-changing circumstances.”
– Tertia Thurley, Department of Conservation Ecology Technical Advisor & Lead of the Black Robin Advisory Group
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