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Persistent Genomic Erosion in Whooping Cranes Despite Demographic Recovery.

Claudia Fontsere¹, Samuel A Speak^2,3,4, Andrew J Caven^5,6

¹Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Molecular Ecology

|August 26, 2025

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Despite population recovery, the whooping crane (Grus americana) has lost 70% of its genetic diversity and increased inbreeding. Genomics reveals ongoing challenges, arguing against downlisting its Endangered status.

Keywords:

captive breeding conservation genetics genomic erosion population genetics—empirical whooping crane

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Area of Science:

Conservation genomics
Population genetics
Wildlife conservation

Background:

The whooping crane (Grus americana) faced severe population decline, necessitating conservation efforts.
While census numbers have increased, the impact on genomic diversity was unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

To analyze temporal changes in whooping crane genomic diversity and inbreeding.
To inform conservation strategies for endangered species using genomic data.

Main Methods:

Sequencing a high-quality whooping crane reference genome.
Re-sequencing historical and modern genomes from wild and captive individuals.
Genomic demographic reconstructions and temporal genomic analyses.

Main Results:

Whooping cranes lost 70% of historical genetic diversity and experienced increased inbreeding over the past 300 years.
Modern populations show higher realized genetic load, potentially impacting fitness.
Captive breeding management reduced recent inbreeding, but background inbreeding persists.

Conclusions:

Genomic erosion continues despite population recovery, supporting Endangered status.
Wild-captive crosses could enhance genetic diversity and reduce genetic load.
Genomics is crucial for effective conservation management and policy decisions.