Preliminary data suggests genetic distinctiveness of gyr and saker falcons

Phylogenomic insights into the polyphyletic nature of Altai falcons within eastern sakers (Falco cherrug) and the origins of gyrfalcons (Falco rusticolus)

The Altai falcon from Central Asia always attracted the attention of humans. Long considered a totemic bird in its native area, modern falconers still much appreciated this large-bodied and mighty bird of prey due to its rarity and unique look. The peculiar body characteristics halfway between the saker falcon (Falco cherrug) and the gyrfalcon (F. rusticolus) triggered debates about its contentious taxonomy. The weak phylogenetic signal associated with traditional genetic methods could not resolve this uncertainty. Here, we address the controversial evolutionary origin of Altai falcons by means of a genome-wide approach, Restriction-site Associated DNA sequencing, using sympatric eastern sakers falcons, allopatric western saker falcons and gyrfalcons as outgroup. This approach provided an unprecedented insight into the phylogenetic relationships of the studied populations by delivering 17,095 unlinked SNPs shedding light on the polyphyletic nature of Altai falcons within eastern sakers. Thus we concluded that the former must correspond to a low taxonomic rank, probably an ecotype or form of the latter. Also, we found that eastern sakers are paraphyletic without gyrfalcons, thus, these latter birds are best regarded as the direct sister lineage of the eastern sakers. This evolutionary relationship, corroborated also by re-analyzing the dataset with the inclusion of outgroup samples (F. biarmicus and F. peregrinus), put eastern sakers into a new light as the potential ancestral genetic source of high latitude and altitude adaptation in descendent populations. Finally, conservation genomic values hint at the stable genetic background of the studied saker populations.

ISFG: recommendations regarding the use of non-human (animal) DNA in forensic genetic investigations

The use of non-human DNA typing in forensic science investigations, and specifically that from animal DNA, is ever increasing. The term animal DNA in this document refers to animal species encountered in a forensic science examination but does not include human DNA. Non-human DNA may either be: the trade and possession of a species, or products derived from a species, which is contrary to legislation; as evidence where the crime is against a person or property; instances of animal cruelty; or where the animal is the offender. The first instance is addressed by determining the species present, and the other scenarios can often be addressed by assigning a DNA sample to a particular individual organism. Currently there is little standardization of methodologies used in the forensic analysis of animal DNA or in reporting styles. The recommendations in this document relate specifically to animal DNA that is integral to a forensic science investigation and are not relevant to the breeding of animals for commercial purposes. This DNA commission was formed out of discussions at the International Society for Forensic Genetics 23rd Congress in Buenos Aires to outline recommendations on the use of non-human DNA in a forensic science investigation. Due to the scope of non-human DNA typing that is possible, the remit of this commission is confined to animal DNA typing only.

Genetic diversity and differentiation among Lagopus lagopus populations in Scandinavia and Scotland: evolutionary significant units confirmed by SNP markers

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in four Scandinavian populations of willow grouse (Lagopus lagopus) and two Scottish populations of red grouse (Lagopus lagopus scoticus) were assessed at 13 protein-coding loci. We found high levels of diversity, with one substitution every 55 bp as an average and a total of 76 unlinked parsimony informative SNPs. Different estimators of genetic diversity such as: number of synonymous and non-synonymous sites, average number of alleles, number and percentage of polymorphic loci, mean nucleotide diversity (pi(s), pi(a)) and gene diversity at synonymous and non-synonymous sites showed higher diversity in the northern populations compared to southern ones. Strong levels of purifying selection found in all the populations together with neutrality tests conforming to neutral expectations agree with large effective population sizes. Assignment tests reported a clear distinction between Scandinavian and Scottish grouse suggesting the existence of two different evolutionary significant units. The divergence time between willow and red grouse ranging between 12 500 and 125 000 years, in conjunction with the presence of 'specific' markers for each subspecies prompt a reassessment of the taxonomical status of the Scottish red grouse.