Genomic signatures of near-extinction and rebirth of the crested ibis and other endangered bird species
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Nearly one-quarter of all avian species is either threatened or nearly
threatened. Of these, 73 species are currently being rescued from going extinct in
wildlife sanctuaries. One of the previously most critically-endangered is the crested
ibis, Nipponia nippon. Once widespread across North-East Asia, by 1981 only seven
individuals from two breeding pairs remained in the wild. The recovering crested ibis
populations thus provide an excellent example for conservation genomics since every
individual bird has been recruited for genomic and demographic studies. RESULTS: Using
high-quality genome sequences of multiple crested ibis individuals, its thriving co-habitant,
the little egret, Egretta garzetta, and the recently sequenced genomes of 41 other
avian species that are under various degrees of survival threats, including the bald
eagle, we carry out comparative analyses for genomic signatures of near extinction
events in association with environmental and behavioral attributes of species. We
confirm that both loss of genetic diversity and enrichment of deleterious mutations
of protein-coding genes contribute to the major genetic defects of the endangered
species. We further identify that genetic inbreeding and loss-of-function genes in
the crested ibis may all constitute genetic susceptibility to other factors including
long-term climate change, over-hunting, and agrochemical overuse. We also establish
a genome-wide DNA identification platform for molecular breeding and conservation
practices, to facilitate sustainable recovery of endangered species. CONCLUSIONS:
These findings demonstrate common genomic signatures of population decline across
avian species and pave a way for further effort in saving endangered species and enhancing
conservation genomic efforts.
Type
Journal articleSubject
AnimalsAvian Proteins
Birds
Breeding
Climate Change
Endangered Species
Evolution, Molecular
Extinction, Biological
Gene Deletion
Genetic Variation
Genome
Population Density
Sequence Analysis, DNA
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https://hdl.handle.net/10161/11127Published Version (Please cite this version)
10.1186/s13059-014-0557-1Publication Info
Li, Shengbin; Li, Bo; Cheng, Cheng; Xiong, Zijun; Liu, Qingbo; Lai, Jianghua; ...
Yan, Jianqun (2014). Genomic signatures of near-extinction and rebirth of the crested ibis and other endangered
bird species. GENOME BIOLOGY, 15(12). pp. 557. 10.1186/s13059-014-0557-1. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/11127.This is constructed from limited available data and may be imprecise. To cite this
article, please review & use the official citation provided by the journal.
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Erich David Jarvis
Adjunct Professor in the Deptartment of Neurobiology
Dr. Jarvis' laboratory studies the neurobiology of vocal communication. Emphasis is
placed on the molecular pathways involved in the perception and production of learned
vocalizations. They use an integrative approach that combines behavioral, anatomical,
electrophysiological and molecular biological techniques. The main animal model used
is songbirds, one of the few vertebrate groups that evolved the ability to learn vocalizations.
The generality of the discoveries is tested in other vocal lear

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