1. Home
  2. Collections
  3. Challenge Inventory
  4. Adaptive Evolution of ...

Adaptive Evolution of Native Biota

Tranche 1: Project 1.4

Researchers are collecting DNA information from some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most threatened species in an effort to make them more resilient to future environmental change.

Scientists leading this BioHeritage Challenge project took critical first steps towards building resilience in threatened taonga (treasured) species, partnering with Ngāi Tūāhuriri to embed mahinga kai values and mātauranga Māori (indigenous knowledge) into the project.

The data gathered was used to comprehensively assess the genetic diversity of five diverse species, with a special focus on kōwaro (Canterbury mudfish) and kēkēwai (freshwater crayfish). The aim was to determine their capacity to evolve in response to environmental change – otherwise known as their adaptive potential.

Project Leader

  • Tammy Steeves, University of Canterbury

Data and Resources

Additional Info

Field Value
Last Updated July 31, 2024, 16:36 (NZST)
Created July 4, 2024, 09:09 (NZST)