Genetic Analysis of Stoats on Waiheke Island

Did you know that recent genetic analysis shows that stoats on Waiheke are inbred?

Dr Andrew Veale has analysed the DNA from stoats caught in Auckland, around New Zealand and Europe. The amount of genetic diversity in the stoat population from the Waitakere in Auckland is more similar to Denmark than it is to the Waiheke stoats, meaning there is very little genetic diversity in the Waiheke stoat population.

This is good news for the Waiheke stoat eradication as it means it is unlikely that stoats have swum back to Waiheke for many years, and the Waiheke stoat population may have started with a relatively small number of pregnant females arriving here.

Te Korowai o Waiheke is excited to have such sophisticated genome sequencing done by Andrew to support the understanding of the inter-relatedness of the stoats remaining on the island. Through DNA analysis Andrew will be able to advise whether stoats caught next spring/summer are from the same family groups.