From islands to infectomes: host-specific viral diversity among birds across remote islands.

BACKGROUND: Accelerating biodiversity loss necessitates monitoring the potential pathogens of vulnerable species. With a third of New Zealand's avifauna considered at risk of extinction, a greater understanding of the factors that influence microbial transmission in this island ecosystem is needed. We used metatranscriptomics to determine the viruses, as well as other microbial organisms (i.e. the infectomes), of seven bird species, including the once critically endangered black robin (Petroica traversi), on two islands in the remote Chatham Islands archipelago, New Zealand. RESULTS: We identified 19 likely novel avian viruses across nine viral families. Black robins harboured viruses from the Flaviviridae, Herpesviridae, and Picornaviridae, while introduced starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) and migratory seabirds (Procellariiformes) carried viruses from six additional viral families. Potential cross-species virus transmission of a novel passerivirus (family: Picornaviridae) between native (black robins and grey-backed storm petrels) and introduced (starlings) birds was also observed. Additionally, we identified bacterial genera, apicomplexan parasites, as well as a novel megrivirus linked to disease outbreaks in other native New Zealand birds. Notably, island effects were outweighed by host taxonomy as a significant driver of viral composition, even among sedentary birds. CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the value of surveillance of avian populations to identify and minimise escalating threats of disease emergence and spread in these island ecosystems. Importantly, they contribute to our understanding of the potential role of introduced and migratory birds in the transmission of microbes and associated diseases, which could impact vulnerable island-endemic species.

Applying a values-based decision process to facilitate comanagement of threatened species in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Ko koe ki tena, ko ahau ki tenai kiwai o te kete (you at that, and I at this handle of the basket). This Maori (New Zealanders of indigenous descent) saying conveys the principle of cooperation-we achieve more through working together, rather than separately. Despite decades of calls to rectify cultural imbalance in conservation, threatened species management still relies overwhelmingly on ideas from Western science and on top-down implementation. Values-based approaches to decision making can be used to integrate indigenous peoples' values into species conservation in a more meaningful way. We used such a values-based method, structured decision making, to develop comanagement of pekapeka (Mystacina tuberculata) (short-tailed bat) and tara iti (Sternula nereis davisae) (Fairy Tern) between Maori and Pakeha (New Zealanders of European descent). We implemented this framework in a series of workshops in which facilitated discussions were used to gather expert knowledge to predict outcomes and make management recommendations. For both species, stakeholders clearly stated their values as fundamental objectives from the start, which allowed alternative strategies to be devised that naturally addressed their diverse values, including matauranga Maori (Maori knowledge and perspectives). On this shared basis, all partners willingly engaged in the process, and decisions were largely agreed to by all. Most expectations of conflicts between values of Western science and Maori culture were unfounded. Where required, positive compromises were made by jointly developing alternative strategies. The values-based process successfully taha wairua taha tangata (brought both worlds together to achieve the objective) through codeveloped recovery strategies. This approach challenges the traditional model of scientists first preparing management plans focused on biological objectives, then consulting indigenous groups for approval. We recommend values-based approaches, such as structured decision making, as powerful methods for development of comanagement conservation plans between different peoples.

Aplicación de un Proceso de Decisiones Basadas en Valores para Facilitar el Comanejo de Especies Amenazadas en Aotearoa Nueva Zelanda Resumen Ko koe ki tena, ko ahau ki tenai kiwai o te kete (tú en ésa y yo en esta asa de la cesta). Este dicho Maori (neozelandeses con ascendencia indígena) expresa el principio de la cooperación - logramos más trabajando juntos que por separado. A pesar de las décadas de peticiones para rectificar el desbalance ambiental que existe en la conservación, el manejo de especies amenazadas todavía depende abrumadoramente de ideas tomadas de la ciencia occidental y en la implementación de arriba-abajo. Los enfoques para la toma de decisiones basados en valores pueden usarse para integrar de manera más significativa los valores de los pueblos indígenas dentro de la conservación de especies. Usamos un método basado en valores, la toma estructurada de decisiones, para desarrollar una estrategia de comanejo del pekapeka (Mystacina tuberculata) (murciélago de cola corta) y el tara iti (Sternula nereis davisae) (charrancito australiano) entre los Maori y los Pakeha (neozelandeses de ascendencia europea). Implementamos este marco de trabajo en una serie de talleres en los cuales se usaron discusiones facilitadas para recabar el conocimiento de los expertos para pronosticar los resultados y realizar recomendaciones de manejo. Para ambas especies, los actores sociales mencionaron claramente a sus valores como objetivos fundamentales desde el inicio, lo que permitió el diseño de estrategias alternativas que consideraran naturalmente estos diferentes valores, incluyendo el matauranga Maori (conocimiento y perspectivas Maori). Sobre esta base compartida, todos los colaboradores participaron voluntariamente en el proceso y la mayoría estuvo de acuerdo con las decisiones. La mayoría de los conflictos esperados entre la ciencia occidental y la cultura Maori no tuvieron fundamentos. En donde fueron requeridos, se realizaron concesiones positivas mediante el desarrollo conjunto de estrategias alternativas. El proceso basado en valores logró exitosamente taha wairua taha tangata (juntó a ambos mundos para conseguir el objetivo) por medio de estrategias de recuperación desarrolladas en conjunto. Esta estrategia desafía el modelo tradicional de los científicos preparando primero los planes de manejo enfocados en objetivos biológicos para después consultar a los grupos indígenas para que los aprueben. Recomendamos estos enfoques basados en valores, como la toma estructurada de decisiones, como métodos poderosos para el desarrollo de planes de conservación que incluyan el comanejo entre diferentes pueblos y personas.