That is a very round bird.
So few of these birds remained that their genetic diversity is a problem for reproducing the species 😕.
“inbreeding depression is a significant problem.[29] The recovery efforts are hampered especially by low fertility of the remaining birds. Genetic analyses have been employed to select captive breeding stock in an effort to preserve the maximum genetic diversity.”
This is a problem with cheetahs as well, where it’s theorized that only a small group survived the last ice age, and survived thru inbreeding. Because of this, they are essentially genetic “clones” of one another with almost zero genetic variability, and they have about a 50% chance to successfully receive transplants without the need for the medication typically required to prevent rejection. Source
Do cheetahs seem pretty healthy overall as a species even with low diversity?
They are prone to health problems, particularly those bred in captivity. Cheetahs born in captivity are prone to a disease similar to mad cow disease, which is believed to be transmissible and kills around 70% of the Cheetahs in captivity. It’s sad, but also pretty interesting. Source
Was it on a vacation, that it returned all of a sudden ?
It was hunted to near extinction by introduced predators and considered extinct for several decades until a handful of survivors were located in some very remote areas.
When the survivors were found, the department of conservation moved them into a breeding program on some offshore islands where they would be free from predators. Since then the population has slowly grown and predator eradication programs on the mainland have had enough success that we’re now taking a calculated risk on moving some of them back to their original habitat.
So we were aware they weren’t completely extinct since we were keeping a few around? The title makes it seem like it just popped up and was a complete surprise.
Why is it round?
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that roundness is from the stuff that made it so tasty. the original butterball.
I… should shut up now. before we do that thing, again.
(edit to clarify: Don’t eat them. This is great. Let them be. let them thrive. BUTTER BALLS ARE NOT FOOD.)(it helps if I keep telling myself that.)