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Project title

How can conservation genomics aid and inform the conservation of an endangered ground nesting bird?

Primary Funding Agency

Irish Research Council

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University College Dublin (UCD)

Lead Applicant

n/a

Project Abstract

Across Europe there are large scale declines in ground nesting birds. An example of this is the Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata) which has undergone drastic declines in several populations including Ireland. Ireland they have become a flagship species, with a large conservation program and widescale public engagement. There remains one important aspect of Curlew biology that is critically understudied and this is their genetics. Curlew populations are severely fragmented in places and constantly decreasing. This can result in a host of genetic problems such as reduced genetic diversity, inbreeding depression, higher extinction risk and decreased resilience to environmental change. There are different techniques to increase genetic variation, but without data on the current genetic viability of the species, these efforts could prove futile. This project aims to carry out whole-genome sequencing of contemporary and historic Curlew samples from across Europe to assess population structure, levels of inbreeding and demographic history. Population structure will identify how differentiated Curlew are In Europe. After this, if a significant population structure is found it will be investigated whether this is adaptive and a result of ongoing selection by identified genes under putative divergent selection. Inbreeding will be assessed as Runs of Homozygosity (ROH) to provide an estimate on inbreeding depression in the population. Effective population size and demographic history will then be investigated. Cumulatively, this information will provide an insight into the role conservation genetics can play in the management of Curlew. In addition, a mixture of contemporary and museum samples will be used in the project, which will provide an insight into the temporal change in the above factors. The results from this work may have far reaching implications for Curlew conservation in Europe and will provide an estimate into how at risk the species is, and the effectiveness of potential conservation strategies.

Grant Approved

�110,000.00

Research Hub

n/a

Research Theme

Ireland's Future Climate, its Impacts, and Adaptation Options

Start Date

01/09/2022

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/08/2026