Mitogenomic and Metabarcoding Resources for the Study and Conservation of Keystone Neotropical Raptors

Area of Science:

• Ornithology
• Genomics
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Neotropical raptors face significant extinction risks from habitat loss and persecution.
• Essential data on distribution, abundance, and genetic diversity are lacking for many high-priority species.
• Understanding genetic diversity is crucial for effective conservation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assemble and annotate mitochondrial genomes for nine high-priority Neotropical raptors.
• To develop novel molecular tools for conservation and monitoring applications.
• To inform phylogeographic studies and conservation efforts for threatened raptor populations.

Main Methods:

• Mitochondrial genome sequencing and annotation for nine raptor species.
• Phylogenetic analyses using mitogenomic data.
• Design and validation of metabarcoding primers for environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis.

Main Results:

• Successfully assembled and annotated nine Neotropical raptor mitochondrial genomes (17,848–20,449 bp).
• Phylogenetic analyses confirmed species relationships and demonstrated the utility of mitogenomic data.
• Developed high-resolution metabarcoding primers for 12S rRNA and Harpy Eagle Control Region, suitable for degraded DNA.

Conclusions:

• The study provides crucial genomic resources and molecular tools for Neotropical raptor conservation.
• Mitogenomic data are valuable for understanding raptor phylogeography and population structure.
• The developed eDNA primers offer a promising avenue for non-invasive monitoring of threatened raptors.