Evolution and Climate Adaptation in Eurasian Gyrfalcon Populations

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary biology
• Climate change science
• Arctic ecology

Background:

• Arctic animals face significant threats from climate change, impacting their evolution and distribution.
• Past glaciation events have shaped genetic differentiation in Arctic vertebrates.
• Understanding climate change impacts is crucial for effective conservation of Arctic species.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the eco-evolutionary responses of the gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) to past, present, and future climate change.
• To investigate the genetic structure and demographic history of Eurasian Arctic gyrfalcon populations.
• To predict future suitable habitats for gyrfalcons under global warming scenarios.

Main Methods:

• Whole-genome sequencing of gyrfalcon populations from the Eurasian Arctic.
• Demographic inference to reconstruct population history and effective population size.
• Species distribution modeling (SDM) to predict climatically suitable areas.

Main Results:

• Genetic differentiation observed between western and eastern gyrfalcon populations, originating in the late Pleistocene.
• Low genetic diversity, high inbreeding, and elevated genetic loads found in extant gyrfalcon populations.
• Inferred population decline in Kola gyrfalcons and predicted substantial reduction in suitable habitat due to future warming.

Conclusions:

• Past climate fluctuations and ongoing warming jointly influence the genomic landscape of Arctic birds.
• Gyrfalcon populations face compromised long-term viability due to genetic factors and habitat loss.
• The study provides critical insights for developing conservation strategies for Arctic animals in a changing climate.