A scientific breakthrough has given hope to conservationists fighting to save the critically endangered kākāpo.
Genome sequencing of the kākāpo population is enabling researchers to track growth, disease susceptibility, clutch size and egg fertility - characteristics that are crucial to survival.
And it could be good news for other species facing extinction.
Dr Joseph Guhlin, a postdoctoral researcher with Genomics Aotearoa speaks to Jesse.
Photo: Wildlife Hospital -Dunedin (Supplied)
