Novel genetic variation in an isolated population of the nationally critical Haast tokoeka (Apteryx australis ‘Haast’) reveals extreme short-range structure within this cryptic and flightless bird

There are currently five recognised species of kiwi (Apteryx spp.), and possibly 11 distinct genetic lineages, all of which are threatened or near threatened. Currently, with only approximately 400 individuals left, the most endangered provenance is Haast tokoeka (Apteryx australis ‘Haast’), classified as ‘Nationally Critical’ (Robertson et al. 2017 in Conservation status of New Zealand birds, 2016. New Zealand Threat Classification Series 19....