top of page
Writer's pictureParwinder Kaur

Wing of change

In Western Australia's remote heathlands, there exists a creature so rare and elusive, that very few people have ever had the good fortune to see it. The Western Ground Parrot (Pezoporus wallicus flaviventris), also affectionately known as 'Kyloring', is a bird of remarkable beauty and secrecy, revealing itself only briefly at dawn and dusk with its melodious calls. But beyond its ethereal presence lies a stark reality - this enigmatic avian is teetering on the brink of extinction.

The Western Ground Parrot has become emblematic of conservation efforts in Australia, standing as one of 22 bird species prioritized for recovery by the government. With a population dwindling to a mere 150 individuals, their survival hangs precariously on a delicate balance of habitat preservation and targeted intervention.


In 2003, the Western Ground Parrot Recovery Project was initiated, marking a concerted effort to understand and safeguard this cryptic species. Field monitoring, radio tracking, and captive management programs, led by DBCA and supported by numerous partners, have provided invaluable insights into their behaviour and needs. However, the road to recovery has been fraught with challenges, from habitat loss to predation by invasive species like feral cats. Intensive management of invasive predators has given the recovery team the confidence to attempt the first-ever wild to wild translocation with birds reintroduced into an area of former habitat.


Amidst the struggle for survival, a crucial lifeline emerges from Perth Zoo, where a select few Western Ground Parrots have found sanctuary. Here, under the watchful eye of conservationists, specialised aviaries serve as a haven for these birds, allowing for meticulous observation and research into their biology and behaviour.


Through painstaking efforts, unique behaviours, calls, and social requirements have been identified, paving the way for tailored husbandry practices aimed at fostering breeding success.


Yet, the journey is far from over. Challenges abound, from issues with egg viability to calcium metabolism. Undeterred, researchers and veterinarians are tirelessly working to overcome these obstacles, collaborating with international specialists to explore innovative solutions, including assisted reproduction methods.


To help with the ongoing conservation efforts, today we release the first 3D genome assembly for the species. The assembly was generated using a sample from a wild bird that had been captured as part of an ambitious translocation program being carried out by the recovery team and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions with assistance from the Perth Zoo (Western Australia). A draft genome assembly for the species was generated from PacBio Revio HiFi long reads with support from the Threatened Species Initiative (TSI) funded through Bioplatforms Australia. The draft was scaffolded to chromosome length by the WA Genome Atlas team using in situ Hi-C data. The interactive contact map of the resulting assembly is included below.


Our sincere thanks to the Lotterywest for their ongoing support through funding the WA Genome Atlas initiative and to the collective expertise and support of our partners.



We hope that this resource will open new avenues for conservation, offering insights into genetic diversity, population dynamics, and potential avenues for intervention. Working with critically endangered species is challenging, But with each discovery, we inch closer to securing a future for the Western Ground Parrot.


As the sun sets over the heathlands, casting a golden glow upon the dwindling habitat of the Western Ground Parrot, hope lingers on the horizon. Through unwavering dedication and scientific ingenuity, we stand poised to turn the tide and ensure that the melodious call of 'Kyloring' continues to echo through the wild for generations to come.


73 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

留言


bottom of page